Her parents' passion for badminton played a significant role in her early interest. Her coach's statement, "You can't be world number one by studying. But in sport, I can make you world number one," motivated her to aim for excellence in badminton.

Club and Coaching

She represents Samsung Life Insurance in the Republic of Korea. Her training is guided by club coach Gil Young-Ah and national coach Kim Hak-Kyun. She plays right-handed, showcasing her skills on both national and international stages.

International Debut

The athlete made her international debut in 2018, competing for the Republic of Korea. This marked the beginning of her journey on the global stage, where she has continued to make significant strides.

Challenges and Injuries

In August 2022, a right ankle injury forced her to withdraw from the national championships' final. This injury also kept her out of the French Open and Denmark Open in October 2022. Earlier that year, she suffered a right calf injury at the Thomas & Uber Cup in Bangkok.

In October 2021, she withdrew from the Denmark Open due to a thigh injury but returned to compete at the French Open less than a week later. She also sprained her right ankle during the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Awards and Honours

Her talent has been recognised with several awards. In 2020, she received the Rookie Award at the Coca-Cola Sports Awards in Korea. The Badminton World Federation named her Most Promising Player of the Year in 2019. She also received the Rising Star Award at the 2017 Korean Women's Sports Grand Awards and an Excellence Award from the Badminton Korea Association in 2016 and 2017.

Personal Interests and Philosophy

Apart from badminton, she enjoys baking. Her sporting philosophy includes mottos like "Do it while you can" and "Life is a constant beginning, and all stages lead to the beginning of others." These principles reflect her approach to both life and sport.

Family Background

Athleticism runs in her family. Her father, An Jung-Hyun, represented Korea in boxing at events such as the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, she aims to continue excelling in badminton while overcoming any challenges that come her way. Her dedication and resilience are evident as she strives for further success on both national and international platforms.

The athlete's journey from a young girl inspired by her parents to an internationally recognised player is a testament to her hard work and determination. As she continues to compete and achieve new milestones, she remains a prominent figure in the world of badminton.