I took some time to calm my emotions in the waiting room.
After fully collecting myself, I washed up to prepare for the upcoming interview.
Normally, I would have gone straight into the interview.
But I couldn’t relax until I checked Sims’ message.
I wanted to make sure my parents were safe before facing the cameras.
Anyway—
“It’s Kim Donghu!”
Having composed myself, I headed directly to the mixed zone.
Countless reporters focused their cameras solely on me, flashes firing nonstop.
Click, click, click.
But no one dared to throw out a question prematurely.
They were waiting for me to take my seat.
The golden fist that claimed victory—
Everyone was showing respect and waiting patiently.
I took my seat.
As soon as I sat down, the first reporter in line quickly fired a question.
“Hello, this is ESPN. There are so many things I’d like to ask, but first, can we hear how you’re feeling right now?”
The interpreter stepped forward to translate, but I waved them off.
“I’m truly happy. Winning an Olympic gold medal is an invaluable experience and proof of my efforts. It feels like all my hard work has been rewarded, so I’m thrilled.”
As soon as I finished answering, another question came.
“Congratulations on your gold medal! This is Sports Hanyang.”
“Thank you.”
“What are your thoughts on the Russian athlete’s use of performance-enhancing drugs in the finals?”
“I was stronger. That’s all.”
What did Kim just say?
He said, “I was stronger”? Wow!
The reporters buzzed with excitement at my response.
I had just stated the obvious, so why was it such a big deal?
“This is Olympic Channel. Did you feel confident about winning gold from the very beginning?”
“My confidence was on full display in the October issue of GOT magazine.”
“Yes, we know—it’s quite famous. You said ‘forfeit is the safest loss.’ Does that still hold true?”
“I think I proved it with this gold medal.”
Click, click.
Even as I spoke, the flashes kept firing.
And the questions kept coming.
“This is Ring Magazine. Leaving the doping issue aside, the Uzbek athlete lasted 1 minute and 14 seconds in the semifinals. What are your thoughts on that match?”
“He definitely gave me trouble. His signature footwork, distance control, and precision made him a tough opponent.”
“This is NBC Sports. You set records for both the shortest Olympic match and fastest KO in history. How do you feel about that?”
“I just did what I had to do. I’m honored that it turned into a record.”
It felt like the interview was focusing too much on foreign reporters.
While I was thinking that—
“This is KBC Sports! Could you tell us how you developed the combo now known as the ‘Hitman Signature’—temple hook, short uppercut, and liver shot?”
“It doesn’t always start that way, but I found that combining those three moves in succession gave me the highest KO probability.”
“This is SKS Sports. Some are calling you the start of a new chapter in heavyweight boxing! They’re even praising your style as completely revolutionary! What’s your take on that?”
“I don’t think anything I’ve done is completely new. I’ve just followed the path laid out by the boxers before me and built on it. I’d like to thank my predecessors for advancing boxing.”
Excited domestic reporters fired off their questions,
their joy and enthusiasm clear in their voices.
They were so ecstatic that I found myself smiling as I answered.
“This is Daehan Ilbo Sports. Who are the first people that come to mind right now?”
“My family, of course. My mom, my dad, and my sister Seohyun... I miss them so much, and I really—”
I paused, trying to suppress the sudden rush of emotions.
I thought I had cried it all out earlier.
But it seemed like there were still some tears left—tears of relief and joy.
‘Moments like this make me glad I can act.’
I quickly swallowed back the tears and continued.
“...Thank you. Thank you for believing in me. And next, I’d have to say my coach, Director Baek Sangha. He’s my mentor.”
Mentor.
The reporters’ eyes gleamed at the word.
“This is World Boxing—no, WBN. Professional boxers around the world are showering you with praise after watching your match. Do you have any plans to go pro?”
Pro.
I already had the qualifications to go pro based on my results.
But I wanted to live as an actor, not just as a boxer.
“I have no plans to turn pro.”
“This is Second Out. Then what about exhibition matches?”
“If they pay me enough to enjoy the event, sure.”
Maybe my blunt answers felt refreshing—
even the foreign reporters seemed amused as they busily typed away.
They were writing articles while firing off questions.
Where did they even learn to do that?
“This is The Athletic. Do you have a message for the fans who waited for this victory?”
“Even though the wait was short, I want to thank you for sticking with me.”
Another smile.
Sensing that the interview was winding down,
I signaled to wrap things up after answering a few more questions.
“Is your next stop the doping test?”
“Yeah, and they’ll probably be thorough about it—especially since I just beat a doped-up athlete.”
I shrugged at Sangha’s comment.
‘Mixed zone, then the doping test, and finally the last press conference.’
The official press conference would last about 30 minutes with more detailed questions.
After that, there’d probably be a quick celebration party.
‘Once that’s over, I’ll finally crash.’
For the first time in forever,
I was looking forward to a stress-free sleep.
*****
While Kim Donghu slept soundly after completing his packed schedule, the world was in an uproar.
“Doping Scandal? None Found. Donghu Kim KOs Drugged Opponent in Round 2 Without Doping.”
“‘If you pay me enough, I’ll fight the world.’ Overwhelming Confidence and Devastating Power!”
“Reaction to Doping Allegations: ‘I was just stronger.’ Proved his statement—Forfeit is the safest loss.”
“Boxing Legends Shower Praise—‘He’ll be the new face of heavyweight boxing.’”
“Graceful Boxing? Luxury Brand Designers Want Kim Donghu as Their Model!”
“His Wrist Looks Bare—Which Watch Brand Will Claim Kim Donghu?”
Boxing rarely collaborated with luxury brands.
It lacked the elegance of aristocratic sports like tennis.
But—
Kim Donghu’s looks defied all expectations, captivating designers worldwide.
His mix of raw, beast-like strength and god-like beauty struck designers with thunderous inspiration.
With global attention at this level—
“Adihes to Develop Products Through Strong Partnership with Kim Donghu.”
“Redhorn Signs Unprecedented Deal with Korean Athlete—It’s Kim Donghu!”
“Ilyang Foods’ Bold Move?! ‘Spicy Fist of Fire’ Kim Donghu! Declares Lifelong Partnership!”
“FJ States, ‘Kim Donghu Is Our Brand’s Face.’”
“Choosing the Right Line is a Skill—Brilliant Uniforms Calls Signing Kim Donghu ‘Fate.’”
And in Korea—
[Kim Donghu’s Insane Punch Collection—Finished His Military Service in 7 Minutes... gif]
7 seconds, 11 seconds, 1 minute 14 seconds, 5 minutes 13 seconds—right?
Seriously, this guy’s insane... So thankful he’s Korean. National pride overload.
Look at his responses. “Drugs? I was just stronger.” Damn, what a boss.
Kim Donghu is the ultimate man. Respect.
Mayweather’s reaction to those KOs was hilarious.
I saw it too—it was like a cartoon where eyes pop out. LOL
[Kim Donghu’s Drugged Opponent Knockout Highlights.]
The rapid-fire hooks after bouncing off the ropes? Absolutely savage.
Looked like a Dempsy Roll, lol.
His style is so unpredictable—it’s impossible to read. That switch to southpaw? Insane boxing IQ.
Isn’t he a once-in-a-generation fighter? Destructive yet stable, aggressive yet solid.
Can we stop ranking celebrity fights now? Kim Donghu is #1, no question.
Seriously, none of it matters. Heavyweight Olympic gold—dude fought at 91kg.
That ref was so shady, stalling time like crazy.
Right? That’s why Donghu just kept hitting him instead of letting him go down. Unreal.
[Kim Donghu KO Reactions Compilation—Foreign Media Edition.]
Watching the “Spicy Fire Punch” has everyone losing their minds. LOL
Shocking, stinging, spicy—can’t handle it.
Even after replaying it several times, the punches are too fast to follow.
The source of this c𝓸ntent is freewebnøvel.coɱ.
Their faces when they see the Hitman Signature Combo. Hilarious.
[Breaking News—All Olympic Videos of Kim Donghu Top 2 Million Views.]
Yeah, I watched them 100 times myself, lol.
Never gets old. So handsome it’s unfair.
So let me get this straight—he’s a double ten-million movie star, has 30% ratings in dramas, dominates variety shows, plays the piano like a pro, speaks fluent English and Japanese, and now has heavyweight Olympic gold at 20?
And he can cook too, lol.
About to sign with a luxury brand as their muse—designers are practically begging him.
Rumor has it he’s getting a new car deal soon...
The fact that he’s choosing to remain an actor instead of turning pro? Absolute legend. What’s his next project?
What agency is he with? Veritas? They’re smart—uploading official videos and hitting others with copyright strikes immediately.
Can’t monetize his content? Sucks to be them. Good job, Veritas.
[Kim Donghu’s Fan Meeting Announcement—This Timing, Seriously? LOL]
A star who truly loves his fans. He’s just built different.
First event after returning to Korea is a fan meeting. Absolute class.
Focuses on connecting with fans before cashing in—no wonder he’s unstoppable.
They’re prioritizing fan club members for tickets. Smart move.
While many Korean athletes had returned home with Olympic gold—
Boxing had been an unexpected sensation.
And Kim Donghu’s unpredictable moves left everyone in awe.
People were celebrating the new chapter he had written in Korea’s boxing history.
Currently—
“Donghu, so which brand are you signing with?”
“Honestly... the list is too long.”
“Pick one each—for cars, watches, and clothes. Everyone’s after you.”
Kim Donghu scanned through the endless list of offers, contemplating his next move.
And then—
Let me be direct.
Let’s date.
I’ll come to Korea.
‘What the hell is this?’
Evelyn’s love call was just another bonus.