Budapest, Hungary – The final day of individual competition at the 2025 World Judo Championships in Budapest witnessed a truly historic moment as Hayun Kim of the Republic of Korea claimed the gold medal in the women’s +78kg category. Her triumph not only marked her first senior world title but also etched her name in the annals of Korean judo as the nation’s first-ever female heavyweight world champion.
The +78kg division was stacked with formidable talent, featuring many of the sport’s heavy-hitters, including Olympic champion Beatriz Souza and two-time Olympic bronze medalist Romane Dicko. Kim navigated her way through the challenging bracket with a blend of strategic patience and well-timed attacks. While her opening match saw a decisive throw and hold-down, her subsequent contests, including the final, showcased her ability to win through calculated pressure and accumulating penalties on her opponents.
The much-anticipated final pitted Kim against Japan’s Mao Arai. Both judoka possessed a deep understanding of each other’s technical arsenals, leading to a cautious and intensely tactical battle. Neither competitor was willing to make a misstep that could be capitalized upon, resulting in a contest where composure and consistent posture were key. Ultimately, the match was decided by penalties, with Kim maintaining her tactical clarity and Arai accumulating three shidos, largely due to dropped attacks lacking kuzushi. With the final penalty, the championship belonged to Hayun Kim.
Her victory sent ripples of excitement through the Korean judo community and beyond. “I’m so happy to win my first World Championship gold medal,” Kim shared after her win, reflecting on her past finishes of fifth and third. This gold represents the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Hayun Kim’s achievement at the 2025 World Judo Championships is more than just a medal; it’s a milestone that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of judoka in Korea and around the world. Her strategic approach, mental fortitude, and historic triumph serve as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through unwavering commitment to the art of judo. As she continues her journey, with an Olympic gold medal as her stated ultimate goal, the judo world will be watching closely to see what new heights this remarkable athlete will reach.
