“‘My Way’ is a storytelling of overcoming hardships and rising again holds deep meaning for me. As for ‘Habanera,’ it’s a piece I’ve wanted to try for two years.” Haein Lee on new programs and challenges
Haein Lee shares insights on training, challenges, and aspirations.
original source: Eduyonhap dd. June 18th 2025 by Park Geun-hyung
In an interview for ED Yonhap, Haein Lee opened up about her current activities, plans for the future, and her resolve for the challenges ahead. Here’s a translation.
“Q: The 2024–2025 season has ended, and it’s currently the off-season. Could you share how you’ve been spending your time lately?
Haein Lee: I’ve been attending school and training hard. I’m busy working to build up my physical strength and prepare for upcoming competitions.
Q: How is university life going? Have you made many friends?
Haein Lee: I currently go to school about twice a week, but since commuting takes about 2–3 hours, I try to attend as many classes as I can in one day. On school days, I do have less time to train, which can be a bit challenging. However, I feel a sense of responsibility knowing that my consistent attendance might encourage the school to admit more aspiring skaters in the future. I actively take part in group projects and team classes, and I’ve made friends my age.
Q: You probably train almost every day on the ice, but off-ice training must be just as important. How much time do you dedicate to off-ice training, and how does it work?
Haein Lee: I do off-ice training twice a week for two hours each session. Additionally, I attend Pilates twice a week to strengthen my physical balance.
Q: Fans are always curious about your programs for the next season. Your short program (SP) is ‘My Way’ (Sydnie Christmas), and your free skate (FS) is ‘Habanera’ from Bizet’s opera ‘Carmen.’ The contrasting styles of pop and classical music are intriguing. Could you share who selected the music and the stories behind the choices? Especially for ‘My Way,’ it seems to have a special significance.
Haein Lee: ‘My Way’ was recommended by my choreographer, Misha Ge. Its storytelling of overcoming hardships and rising again holds deep meaning for me. As for ‘Habanera,’ it’s a piece I’ve wanted to try for two years. The music is both classical and lively, and I felt it would suit my love for step sequences. I’ve always wanted to create a program with this piece, and I’m happy to finally perform it this season.
Q: Both of your programs were choreographed by Misha Ge. What are the key features or standout points of each routine?
Haein Lee: For the short program, I’d love for people to pay attention to the emotions leading up to the first jump. Additionally, both programs place a lot of emphasis on the step sequences, so I hope viewers appreciate those as well. In the free skate, I’ve added a spiral sequence with a move I’ve never performed before, so I’d like people to watch for that too.
Q: What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses as a skater? How are you working to address your weaknesses?
Haein Lee: My strength is my step sequences. I believe my ability to integrate quick-tempo turns with expressive facial movements and gestures is one of my strong points. However, my skating isn’t particularly smooth or fast, so I’ve been focusing on skating practices and refining my choreography to make my performance appear more fluid.
Q: Among the competitions you’ve participated in, which one stands out the most, whether as a great experience or a regretful one?
Haein Lee: The most memorable competition for me was the 2023 Four Continents Championships. I placed sixth in the short program but earned a high score in the free skate and won the gold medal. That competition gave me the confidence of feeling, ‘I can do it too.’ On the other hand, the 2024 World Championships left me with some regrets. I performed well in the short program, finishing third, but made mistakes in the free skate and missed out on the podium.
Q: Do you have a favorite program, piece of music, or costume? Is there a program you’d like to revisit or a new style of program you’d like to try?
Haein Lee: My favorite program is ‘Phantom of the Opera.’ It was a strong performance for me, and I loved the music and step sequences. My favorite piece of music is ‘Fire Dance,’ which I used in my free skate during the 2019 Junior season. It was a song recommended by my coach, and I still have great memories of it. As for costumes, my favorite was from my 2023 short program ‘Storm.’ I loved its multicolored gradient and layered skirt, which matched the music beautifully.
Q: All athletes experience pressure and nerves before competitions. How do you deal with these? Do you have any pre-competition rituals or routines?
Haein Lee: I usually listen to music I like, watch movies on weekends, or visit exhibitions to relieve stress. I don’t have any particular superstitions, but my pre-competition routine is jumping rope while listening to my favorite music.
Q: The Winter Olympics are perhaps the most significant competition for figure skaters. With the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics approaching and the Olympic trials later this year, how are you preparing for this crucial time?
Haein Lee: During the 2022 Beijing Olympic trials, I had injuries and personal regrets about my preparation. This time, I’m focusing on being more thorough so I won’t have any regrets about the results. The Olympics are a dream for all athletes, and I plan to work tirelessly to achieve my goal of making it. But throughout the journey, I hope to overcome challenges with happiness, not excessive stress.
Q: Lastly, do you have any message for your fans who love and support you?
Haein Lee: Hello, I’m Haein Lee, a member of the Korean national figure skating team. The next season will be an Olympic season, and I want to thank you for always cheering for me. I hope to meet you again with an even better version of myself. I truly wish happiness for all of you who continue to support me. Thank you so much for believing in me and giving me so much strength. In the upcoming season, I hope to bring you more joy and beautiful memories as a stronger and happier skater. Thank you!”
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