South Korea - a dominant force in short track speed skating - had been up in arms over the decision to disqualify both Hwang and Lee June-seo from the men's 1,000m semi-finals at the Capital Indoor Stadium on Monday (February 7).

An appeal was launched by the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to "publicise the unfairness", while Ahn Cheol-soo from the People's Party accused China of stealing South Korea's medals.

But Hwang, a four-time world champion, put the disappointment of the disqualification behind him to win 1,500m gold after a tight finish.

The lead changed several times in a packed field of 10 before Hwang hit the front at the final's halfway stage and did not look back in the last seven laps.

Hwang was closely followed by Canada's Steven Dubois and Pyeongchang 2018 bronze medallist Semen Elistratov of the Russian Olympic Committee.

The top three remained in that order with Hwang holding the lead as he closed in on the finish line.

Hwang managed to cross first in 2min 9.219sec as he roared with delight, while there was a photo finish for the remaining medal spots.

Following a video review, Dubois was awarded silver in 2:09.254, with Elistratov claiming bronze again in 2:09.267.

It was South Korea’s first gold of Beijing 2022 after five days of competition, with Kim Min-seok grabbing speed skating bronze yesterday.

No country has won more Olympic medals than South Korea in short track speed skating, having registered 25 golds, 13 silvers and 11 bronzes.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow with the women’s 1,000m final.