Son Yeon-jae’s New Chapter: Athlete, CEO, and Mom
Son Yeon-jae, a former Olympic rhythmic gymnast, has gracefully transitioned into a multifaceted life since her retirement in 2017. Far from stepping out of the spotlight, she now shines in new roles—as a business leader, a mother, and a public figure embracing life’s next chapter. Her work through Leap Studio, a gymnastics academy she founded, as well as her recent milestones in marriage and motherhood, continues to capture widespread attention.

From Gymnastics Legend to Business Leader
Following her 4th place finish at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Son Yeon-jae announced her retirement in 2017. She then turned her focus toward nurturing the next generation of gymnasts through her company Leap Studio. As CEO, her mission has been to make rhythmic gymnastics more accessible and competitive in South Korea.
In her personal life, Son experienced major transitions as well. In 2022, she married Junhyo Lee, a finance executive and head of the Korea branch of Ulysses Capital, a global hedge fund based in Los Angeles. In early 2024, the couple welcomed their first child—a son—marking yet another step in her evolving journey.
Celebrated Milestones and Influence
Even in retirement, Son Yeon-jae maintains a strong connection to the sports world. Through Leap Studio, she continues to train young athletes, and her visibility has helped keep public interest in rhythmic gymnastics alive in South Korea. Parents of young female athletes often seek inspiration in Son’s tenacity and drive.
Her recent entry into motherhood has further elevated her profile. As a working mom who balances family and career, she has become a relatable figure for many. Her social media posts, which often highlight both her family life and professional ventures, project an image of poise and balance that many admire. To other mothers juggling similar responsibilities, she’s more than an icon—she’s a role model.
But at What Cost? The Double-Edged Sword of Fame
With visibility, however, comes scrutiny. While some see her social media as a source of inspiration, others question whether the constant sharing encroaches upon her private life. In Korea, where celebrity culture is intense, even well-meaning updates can trigger debates about overexposure.
Much of the media’s focus on Son revolves around her physical appearance—her slim figure and “youthful glow,” even just months after giving birth. Critics argue that this fixation puts undue pressure on women and diminishes her real achievements. Moreover, details such as luxurious real estate purchases and her husband's financial status spark conversations about inequality and the line between personal pride and public envy.
The Need for Balance
Son Yeon-jae’s post-retirement life, full of accomplishments and joy, certainly deserves applause. But there's a growing need for media and fans alike to honor her in a way that appreciates substance over surface. Her impact—as a sports mentor, a successful woman in business, and a loving mother—is significant, but easily overshadowed when too much attention is paid to material symbols or appearance.
Respecting boundaries while acknowledging success is essential. Son’s journey isn't just a tabloid story; it's a nuanced picture of how public figures evolve beyond their first claim to fame. If we truly want to celebrate her, we must do so with a sympathetic and balanced lens.
Public Response: Praise, Critique, and Reflection
Online reaction to Son’s evolving life is mostly positive. Admirers compliment her dedication, composure, and ability to ‘have it all.’ Parents see her as embodying the myth—and perhaps the reality—of the “perfect working mom.” But that same praise also sets expectations that are hard to maintain, stirring internal conflict among fans who realize real life is rarely as tidy as curated Instagram posts.
Others urge caution about lifting any single lifestyle as a societal benchmark. Wealth, beauty, and opportunity—like Son’s—are not available to everyone, and constant comparison can lead to alienation. On the flip side, her journey also reflects changing attitudes about women’s roles in Korean society and beyond: you can retire young, reinvent yourself, and do it your way.
Last Thoughts: Reinvention, Not Replacement
Son Yeon-jae isn’t trying to replace her Olympic glory days with influencer fame—she’s simply evolving. Her story resonates because it shows a balance of ambition and groundedness. Whether leading a class of young gymnasts or reading bedtime stories to her son, she brings the same discipline that led her to Olympic finals.
There’s richness in stories like these. Retirement doesn’t need to mark the end; for Son, it marked a beginning. Like any working mom, she deserves the freedom to define her next act—and that’s what we should celebrate.