North Korea’s weightlifters are poised to make a significant impact at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles after a 12-year absence from the event. The country has demonstrated formidable strength in international competition since emerging from pandemic-related isolation, highlighted by record-breaking performances at recent Asian Games.

At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, North Korean lifters established six new world records and secured six gold medals, signaling a resurgence in the sport. This momentum has continued at the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where the nation has claimed four golds and two silvers in six weightlifting events through the midpoint of the seven-day program. By Friday night, athletes from North Korea had collectively set seven world records.

Ri Song-gum led the charge among the women’s competitors, capturing gold and setting three world records in the 49kg category. The 28-year-old indicated a willingness to move up to the 53kg weight class, the lightest women’s division featured at the upcoming Olympics, as she aims to complete her collection of titles. Her fellow countrywoman Kang Hyon-gong secured gold in that very 53kg category a few hours later, underscoring the depth of North Korea’s talent.

In the women’s 57kg division, Oh Kwang-ok delivered an impressive performance by establishing three additional world records en route to her gold medal finish. Speaking to reporters, Oh emphasized her focus on the 2028 Games: “The Olympic Games in 2028 is my target. I will try my best to win gold in Los Angeles. The world records are not enough.”

North Korea did not participate in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, having closed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision effectively excluded the nation’s weightlifters from qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics, as it came after the qualifying period ended following the Hangzhou Asian Games.

With their dominant form evident at regional competitions, North Korean weightlifters appear set to be strong contenders as they prepare to return to the Olympic stage in 2028.