North Korean weightlifters recently made waves in the sports world by shattering world records at the World Championships in Norway.
The Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s state-run newspaper, reported on the 16th that the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) announced that the country’s men’s and women’s weightlifting teams both clinched top spots in the medal standings at the 2025 IWF World Championships in Norway.
The paper proudly highlighted the teams’ success, noting that Ri Song-gum kicked off the gold rush on day one, followed by stellar performances from Kang Hyun-kyung, Kim Il-kyung, Ri Suk, and Song Kuk-hyang. This impressive sweep meant every North Korean female athlete at the event claimed a world championship title.
The Rodong Sinmun also emphasized the team’s dominance, stating that North Korean lifters set 9 of the 12 world records broken in the women’s events, cementing their position as the world’s top-ranked team for record holders.
The men’s squad also put on a strong showing, bagging 3 golds, 4 silvers, and 1 bronze. Ro Kwang-ryol stood out by setting a new world record in the men’s 88 kg (about 194 lbs).
According to the newspaper, the IWF acknowledged North Korea’s firm grip on the global weightlifting scene, noting their consistent dominance in international competitions since their return to the world stage in 2023.
NK News, a U.S.-based outlet focusing on North Korean affairs, reported that these athletes have become bona fide superstars in the weightlifting world, amassing an international fan base despite hailing from one of the world’s most isolated nations.
The outlet described a heartwarming scene where local Norwegian teenagers gathered around the North Korean athletes outside the venue, with some even snapping photos with medal-winner Ri Suk.
After a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea’s weightlifting team has made a triumphant return, medaling in all six tournaments they’ve entered since 2023.
At the 2025 IWF World Championships in Forde, Norway, from October 2-11, the North Korean squad racked up an impressive 23 medals and smashed 10 world records. Ri Suk and Song led the charge with three world records each, while Ri Song-gum notched two, and Ro and Kim each added one to the tally.
Looking ahead, the North Korean weightlifting team is set to compete in the 2025 Asian Youth Games (U-17) in Bahrain, scheduled for October 22 to 31.