‘Shuttlecock Empress’ Ahn Se-young (23, Samsung Life Insurance) became the winner of the ‘Global Sports Leadership’ category at the 2025 National Brand Conference.
Ahn Se-young attended the awards ceremony held at the National Assembly Library in Yeouido, Seoul on the 30th and received a trophy from Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young. This event, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, celebrates the contributions of people and companies that have contributed to enhancing the national brand value of the Republic of Korea.
Ahn Se-young, ranked second in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) women’s singles ranking, participated in a total of 16 international competitions this season and won 11 times, tying the record for the most wins in a single season by a singles player. They won 73 games (4 losses) out of a total of 77 games, recording the highest winning percentage of all time (94.8%).
Ahn Se-young, who reached her peak in 2023, resonated with sports fans by continuing the game without withdrawing despite limping on her injured right leg in the finals of the Hangzhou Asian Games held in October of that year, eventually winning the gold medal. In August of the following year, he took the top spot at the World Sports Festival Olympics (Paris Games) and was crowned a national hero. At the point when he reached the peak as a player, he was at the center of controversy by pointing out problems with the management organization (Korea Badminton Association) and the national team. The small ball he launched ultimately had an impact in breaking down unreasonable regulations and bad habits.
Ahn Se-young’s physical condition deteriorated significantly during the Hangzhou Asian Games and Paris Olympics. The 2024 season was run with this in mind. However, he was truly ‘invincible’ in the 2025 season after completing rehabilitation treatment.
Ahn Se-young ranked first in the Sports Player Brand Index, beating soccer star Son Heung-min, who has been the number one sports icon for over a dozen years. It has become a symbol of fighting spirit, grit, and common sense. He was a perfect fit for the national brand conference awards (global sports leadership) held that day.
Meanwhile, fencer Oh Sang-wook was selected as the winner of the Global Sports Championship category at the same event.
Reporter Ahn Hee-soo anheesoo@edaily.co.kr
