Why are you fascinated by fencing?

Seong-bin Fencing is attractive because it is a one-against-one sport. I can continue to improve myself by thinking about my shortcomings during a match.

Min-hyeok I’m joining the training sessions to catch up with the captain’s skills. (laughs)

Seung-hyeon I’ve tried various sports such as speed skating, golf, swimming, and basketball, but the one in which mental acuity matters the most is fencing. In addition, sometimes I can exhibit my abilities because of my opponent, something that I could have not displayed by myself.

Seon-woo I don’t have a strong mentality, but fencing gradually helps me to control it.

When do you feel happy while fencing?

Seong-bin I remember a team competition that we had against the team from Seoul National University. It was really exciting that one of our team members was catching up the leading team by scoring 8 to 9 points in a row. I feel that we are really one ‘team’ at such a moment.

Seon-woo Even when we are in an individual game, I am reassured by the club members who play the role of ‘second’, like a coach.

Seung-hyeon I am really happy and proud of my team mates when they get a good result in competition. We, the members of the Korea University Fencing Club, truly support and encourage each other. I also gain encouragement and feel calm because of their backing. I’m so absorbed in fencing and I really like to do it as a team, so I just postponed my plan to be an exchange student.

Min-hyeok We worked hard when we were selling wine and snacks during the university festival to bring in more than 1 million won to purchase fencing equipment. We worked until 5 a.m. next day and were so exhausted, but we were happy because we were working together.

(From left) Seon-woo Nam (Division of Health Policy and Management, 20); Seung-hyeon Hong (Business School, 21); Seong-bin Lee (Department of Sociology, 20, Captain); and Min-hyeok Cho (School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, 20).

What is the part that the fencing club plays in your campus life?

Seong-bin I have five training sessions per week. My school life is basically fencing.

Min-hyeok We are together not only in the training sessions but also 24/7. We often have instant meetings.

Seon-woo People say that I have become more positive since starting fencing.

Seung-hyeon I was a little bit disspirited in the year when I entered the university because of COVID-19. It’s not too much to say that I’ve found the meaning of life in the fencing club. I was on leave of absence last semester, but I came to the campus even more often than the enrolled students. The fencing club is our hideout and a resting place of the heart.