Choi Hyun Mi started training as a boxer in North Korea at the age of 11. She defected with her family to South Korea in 2004. She's now 23 years old.
'Defector Girl Boxer' fights for South Korea —
Choi Hyun Mi started training as a boxer in North Korea at the age of 11. She defected with her family to South Korea in 2004. She's now 23 years old.
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She says while South Korean boxers may have the upper hand in technique, North Korea emphasizes athletes' mental strength.
Differing techniques —
She says while South Korean boxers may have the upper hand in technique, North Korea emphasizes athletes' mental strength.
KJ Kwon/CNN
Choi, who defended her world featherweight title for the 7th time, says the biggest challenge now is finding the right sponsor.
Searching for a sponsor —
Choi, who defended her world featherweight title for the 7th time, says the biggest challenge now is finding the right sponsor.
KJ Kwon/CNN
Choi said her rivals in North Korea fought to win extra food and money. She said she fought to win as her father was a relatively wealthy businessman in Pyongyang.
Not just about glory —
Choi said her rivals in North Korea fought to win extra food and money. She said she fought to win as her father was a relatively wealthy businessman in Pyongyang.
KJ Kwon/CNN
She said athletes who lost would be subject to punishment. "There is a thing called 'ideological conflicts' where you are forced to stand up in front of a crowd in North Korea and everyone condemns you," she said.
Punishment for losses —
She said athletes who lost would be subject to punishment. "There is a thing called 'ideological conflicts' where you are forced to stand up in front of a crowd in North Korea and everyone condemns you," she said.
KJ Kwon/CNN
Choi's family isn't as wealthy in South Korea, which has added extra urgency to her attempts to find a sponsor.
Fighting for the South —
Choi's family isn't as wealthy in South Korea, which has added extra urgency to her attempts to find a sponsor.
KJ Kwon/CNN