Chaeyeon Kim: “I’ve prepared for Nepela Trophy as an opportunity to showcase my programs. In the short program, I’ll be performing a step sequence set to powerful music. I hope everyone focuses on that element.”
Chaeyeon Kim Prepares for 2025 Nepela Memorial Trophy and Olympic Season
original source: mfocus.kr dd. September 24th 2025 by Park Jimin
South Korean figure skater Chaeyeon Kim departed for Bratislava to compete in the 2025 ISU Challenger Series’ 33rd Nepela Memorial Trophy. She expressed excitement for the new season and shared details about her programs and preparations for the upcoming Olympic season. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on MFocus.
The women’s singles event at the Nepela Memorial Trophy will take place from September 26 to 27. Ahead of her season debut, Kim expressed mixed emotions:
“It’s been so long since my last competition that I’m feeling nervous, but because it’s the start of a new season, I’ve prepared for this event as an opportunity to showcase my programs. In the short program, I’ll be performing a step sequence set to powerful music. I hope everyone focuses on that element,” she shared.
Kim has gained attention for wearing costumes personally designed by her mother each season. Her intricate designs, tailored to match the tone and message of the music, have earned Kim international acclaim, including a nomination for the ISU’s “Best Costume Award.”
This season, Kim continues her tradition. For her short program, titled “Qui a le Droit?” – a piece highlighting the complexity of human existence through emotional lyrics and a powerful melody – she will wear a mysterious brown-toned costume. However, her free skate, set to the soundtrack of the film “Taegukgi” (Korean War-themed), will debut with a borrowed costume due to delays in completing her new outfit, which will be unveiled at the next competition.
Coming off an impressive last season where Kim won consecutive gold medals at the Harbin Winter Asian Games and the Four Continents Championships, she has sharpened her focus for the Olympic season. Kim spent an extended training camp in Canada, returning briefly to South Korea during the summer to reset and refine her routines.
“The flexibility to train at my preferred times was the biggest advantage. I’ve grown significantly thanks to different coaching methods,” Kim explained. After the Nepela Memorial Trophy, she will return to Canada to train with renowned coaches Jeffrey Buttle and Lee Barkell as she prepares for the Grand Prix Series.
Related topics: Chaeyeon Kim, Ondrej Nepela Trophy
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