Miles Bennett
New Zealand professional golfer Lydia Ko is a three-time Olympic champion and member of the LPGA Hall of Fame. She has been open about her struggles with the mental stress that often accompanies a professional golfing career and has credited her husband, Jun Chung, with helping her manage the pressures of the sport. Ko and Chung married in 2022, and she has since spoken about how his presence has helped her realise that there is more to her identity than just being the golfer Lydia Ko.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Chung Jun |
| Date of marriage | 30 December 2022 |
| Wedding venue | Myeongdong Cathedral, Seoul |
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What You'll Learn
Lydia Ko's husband, Chung Jun
Chung Jun, the husband of golfer Lydia Ko, is the son of Hyundai Card Vice Chairman and CEO Chung Tae-young. Jun was born into one of the most powerful business families in South Korea. He pursued higher education in the United States, graduating from Claremont McKenna College in California with a bachelor's degree in philosophy. This choice reflects his analytical nature and diverse interests beyond the family business.
Jun has established himself professionally within the Hyundai conglomerate. He works for Hyundai Cradle, the innovation and venture capital division of the Hyundai Motor Group. In this role, he focuses on identifying and fostering innovative business models and technologies, particularly in the realms of finance and mobility. Jun collaborates with tech companies and startups to propel Hyundai's forward-thinking initiatives.
Lydia Ko and Chung Jun's relationship began with a blind date arranged by mutual friends in October 2020. Their shared South Korean ancestry and mutual love for golf provided a strong foundation for their connection. Jun, an avid golfer himself, not only shared Lydia's passion for the sport but also understood the demands of her career. This common ground became a pivotal aspect of their bond.
The couple's friendship blossomed as they supported and motivated each other in their respective pursuits. Lydia proposed to Jun during an engagement photo shoot, creatively popping the question by writing "Will you marry me?" on golf balls. They tied the knot on December 30, 2022, at the Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, South Korea. The wedding ceremony was attended by family, friends, and several fellow LPGA players.
Lydia Ko has openly credited her husband, Jun, for his unwavering support throughout her golfing career. She acknowledges the challenges of having a partner in a profession that often takes a back seat to her athletic endeavours. However, Jun's understanding of her unpredictable schedule and his ability to provide perspective have been instrumental in helping her navigate the pressures of professional golf.
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Ko's Olympic success
On 30 December 2022, golfer Lydia Ko married Chung Jun, the son of Hyundai Card Vice Chairman Chung Tae-young, at the Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul.
Now, here is a detailed account of Ko's Olympic success:
Lydia Ko, a New Zealand professional golfer, has experienced remarkable success in her career, particularly at the Olympic Games. At the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics, Ko represented New Zealand and won the silver medal in golf. This was a significant achievement, adding to her impressive list of accolades.
In 2021, Ko's stellar performance continued as she took home the bronze medal at the Tokyo Summer Olympics. This achievement contributed to her collection of Olympic medals and showcased her consistent excellence on the global stage.
However, it was at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics where Ko truly made history. On 10 August 2024, she claimed the gold medal in women's golf, becoming the only golfer in the modern era to achieve all three medals (silver, bronze, and gold) at three different Olympic Games. This triumph solidified her place in Olympic history and earned her recognition as the most decorated golfer in the Olympic Games.
The gold medal at the Paris Olympics also had another significant consequence for Ko's career. It qualified her for induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame, making her the 35th inductee and, at 27 years old, the youngest player ever to receive this honour.
Lydia Ko's Olympic journey exemplifies her talent, dedication, and resilience. Her success at the Olympic Games, combined with her numerous other achievements, solidifies her legacy as one of the greatest golfers of all time.
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Ko's golfing career
Ko began playing golf at the age of five when her mother took her to a pro shop at the Pupuke Golf Club in Auckland, New Zealand. There, she was coached by professional golfer Guy Wilson until December 2013. In 2005, at the age of seven, Ko first attracted media attention for competing in the New Zealand national amateur championships.
In 2011, Ko won the Australian Women's Amateur Stroke Play Championship, the New Zealand Women's Amateur Strokeplay Championship, and the New Zealand Women's Amateur Matchplay Championship. In August 2013, she became the only amateur to win two LPGA Tour events. She turned professional in 2014 and joined the LPGA Tour, becoming the youngest player to join the tour at 17 years old.
In February 2015, Ko became the No. 1 ranked woman professional golfer, overtaking Inbee Park. She won her first event of the 2015 LPGA Tour season at the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open, her sixth LPGA Tour victory and ninth overall. The following week, she won her tenth professional championship at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women's Open. At the first major of the 2015 season, the ANA Inspiration, Ko tied with Annika Sörenstam for the all-time LPGA record for consecutive rounds under par, at 29. On 13 September 2015, Ko won her fifth LPGA Tour victory of the year and became the youngest woman to win a major championship at 18 years, 4 months, and 20 days.
In 2016, Ko became the youngest Olympic medal winner in women's golf, taking silver in Rio. She also became the youngest millionaire on the LPGA Tour during her first full season as a pro. In 2019, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to golf. In 2022, Ko won the CME Group Tour Championship, completing the LPGA Tour season with three wins and several other accolades. In August 2024, she won the gold medal in women's golf at the Paris Summer Olympics, becoming the first golfer in the modern era to achieve all three medals at three different Olympic Games. This win also qualified her for the LPGA Hall of Fame, making her the youngest inductee at 27.
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Ko's early life and amateur career
Ko was born on 24 April 1997 in Seoul, South Korea, and emigrated with her family to New Zealand when she was four, gaining New Zealand citizenship at age 12. She began playing golf at the age of five when her mother took her to a pro shop at the Pupuke Golf Club on Auckland's North Shore. There, she met professional golfer Guy Wilson, who coached her until 22 December 2013.
In March 2005, at the age of seven, Ko first attracted media attention for competing in the New Zealand national amateur championships. She attended Mairangi Bay Primary and Pinehurst School in Albany, New Zealand, and took correspondence classes with Pinehurst when she joined the professional golf tour. Starting in 2015, Ko began studying psychology extramurally with Korea University, Seoul.
Ko had a successful amateur career, becoming the top-ranked woman amateur golfer in the world for 130 weeks before turning professional in October 2013. She first announced her intention to turn pro in a YouTube video on 23 October 2013, featuring New Zealand rugby player Israel Dagg. She made her professional debut at the 2013 CME Group Titleholders, finishing tied for 21st place.
In 2012, at just 15 years old, Ko became the youngest winner of an LPGA Tour event at the Canadian Women's Open. She successfully defended her title the following year, becoming the only amateur to win two LPGA Tour events. In 2014, Ko won three tournaments and was named the LPGA Rookie of the Year in 2014.
In February 2015, Ko became the No. 1 ranked woman professional golfer and went on to win six titles that year, including her first major at the Evian Championship in France. She became the youngest woman, at 18 years and 4 months, to win a major championship.
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Ko's retirement plans
New Zealand professional golfer, Dame Lydia Ko, has shared her plans to retire from the sport at 30. Ko, who is currently 28 years old, has had an illustrious career, becoming the youngest player of either gender to be ranked No. 1 in professional golf at 17 years old. She has also won numerous LPGA Tour events, achieving many youngest accolades.
In preparation for her retirement, Ko has expressed an interest in studying psychology or criminology. She also has a passion for cooking and food, and enjoys experiencing different culinary cultures while travelling the world.
Despite her young age, Ko has already faced the pressures of professional golf and the challenges of maintaining a winning streak. In an interview with Golf.com, she discussed the mental stress that often accompanies a career in professional sports. Her husband, Jun Chung, has been credited with helping her navigate these pressures and bringing balance to her life. The couple met on a blind date in 2020 and married in 2022.
Lydia Ko's impact on the golfing world is evident, and her retirement will undoubtedly leave a void. However, with her passion for the sport and its future, she will likely continue to be involved in some capacity even after her retirement.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Lydia Ko is married to Jun Chung, the son of Hyundai Card Vice Chairman Chung Tae-young.
Lydia Ko met Jun Chung on a blind date in October 2020 when he was working for Hyundai in San Francisco.
Lydia Ko got married on 30 December 2022 at the Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul.
Lydia Ko proposed to Jun Chung by inscribing the words "Will you marry me?" on golf balls.
Yes, Lydia Ko has credited her husband with helping to save her golfing career. His presence has helped her realise that there's more to her identity than just being "the golfer Lydia Ko".
