Koreans celebrate Kim Yu-na's skating victory

By Hyung-Jin Kim, Associated Press Writer

SEOUL, South Korea — All of South Korea seemed to be celebrating figure skater Kim Yu-na's historic weekend win at the world championships, with her victory at the top of newscasts and newspapers carrying photos of "Queen Yu-na" on their front pages Monday.

Kim, 18, is already a star in her native South Korea, with a slew of endorsements and TV commercials for everything from cosmetics and milk to air conditioners and laundry detergent.

Her performance at the World Figure Skating Championships in Los Angeles on Saturday night brought the world to attention as well, with her commanding, skillful and graceful free skate to "Sheherezade" bringing the audience to its feet.

"The whole world falls for her," the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper declared.

Nearly every newspaper and many online news portals featured large photos of Kim -- wrapped in the South Korean flag or wiping away tears during her country's anthem -- on their front pages. News of Kim's win got top billing on broadcasts over North Korea's plans to launch a rocket.

Source article: Koreans celebrate Kim Yu-na's skating victory