The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the three athletes, all medallists at last month's Games, will be considered for the Chungryong Medal in what is something of a U-turn in the face of criticism of its revamped qualification system for the award.

The Government had introduced a tough points-based qualification standard at the beginning of this year, however, under this, even double Olympic figure skating medallist and two-time world champion Kim would not have enough points to be eligible for the honour.

But now the Ministry has said that Sochi 2014 champions Lee and Park, and silver medallist Kim deserve the title.

Park Seung-hi is set to receive the Chungryong Medal after becoming the only South Korean athlete to claim more than one gold medal at Sochi 2014 ©AFP/Getty Images


"They helped raise the prestige of our nation with their performances at the Sochi Winter Games," read a statement.

"We will look to confer the Chungryong Medal on them after consulting with relevant organisations."

At Sochi 2014, world champion long track speed skater Lee successfully defended the 500 metres Olympic title she secured at Vancouver 2010, while world champion short track speed skater Park claimed golds in the 1,000m and 3,000m relay - making her the only South Korean to win more than one gold at the Games, as well as bronze in the 500m.

Lee Sang-hwa put on a repeat performance of Vancouver 2010 at Sochi 2014 to take the 500m gold ©AFP/Getty Images


Vancouver 2010 champion Kim, meanwhile, ended her international figure skating career with a ladies' singles silver in Russia.

An online petition seeking an investigation into the judging of the final was set up after she was denied gold by Russia's Adelina Sotnikova, with some claiming the scoring was unjust.

The Ministry added it will hold further consultations with other Government bodies to improve the qualification system for sports medals.

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