Short track gold medalist Choi Min-jeong sparked buzz after revealing the surprising backstory behind her so-called "chicken pension."
On the JTBC variety show Please Take Care of My Refrigerator, which aired on the 15th, Choi Min-jeong and Kim Gil-li opened up their fridges and everyday lives. Viewers were especially intrigued when Choi’s fridge turned out to have leftover fried chicken inside.
Choi said, "Before a competition, I avoid fried foods to manage my condition," but added, "The first thing I crave when it’s over is chicken," showing her special love for it. She then shocked the cast by revealing, "After the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, I started receiving a chicken pension — one chicken a day until I turn 60."
According to Choi, the chicken pension is paid out as points that can be used like cash. When the cast expressed envy, Ahn Jung-hwan joked, "Can’t you order some for us right now?," drawing laughter. Kim Gil-li added to the fun, saying, "Whenever I eat that brand’s chicken, it’s always thanks to her."
Notably, Choi clarified she doesn’t keep the perk to herself. "It’s a lot, so it’s hard to finish alone," she said. "Whenever I can, I share it with people around me or donate it," earning praise for her generosity.
Choi Min-jeong is a leading figure in Korean short track with a total of seven Winter Olympic medals. At the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, she also won gold in the women’s 3000m relay and silver in the 1500m. After wrapping up her national team career, she plans to continue competing with Seongnam City Hall.