The feeling of being world champions is still sinking in for Seo Seung Jae, Chae Yu Jung and An Se Young, who featured in Korea’s three-gold haul at the TotalEnergies BWF World Championships 2023.

It has been just over a week since that historic Sunday, and Chae admitted to the new experience of being the focus of everyone’s attention.

“Earlier, nobody used to pay attention to us. Now everyone is watching us. So there is more stress, but we will try to do our best and keep working hard,” said Chae, after a difficult first round victory at the VICTOR China Open 2023 over Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Boje.

Seo Seung Jae, while acknowledging he was “happy and excited”, was cognisant of the other targets looming ahead, starting with the Asian Games next month.

‘We hadn’t won many major titles; we were always in the quarterfinals or semifinals. So we’re very excited to be world champions, as Korea hadn’t won gold in a long while.

“We won the World Championships, but the victory is in the past. There are other important events like the Asian Games and Olympic Games coming up, so we have to keep our focus and keep working hard.”

An Se Young, Korea’s first-ever singles gold medallist, said she was still getting used to the idea of being world champion.

“I feel very happy. I haven’t had much time since the World Championships so my body still feels very sore. Winning the Worlds was my dream, and it has come true. I’m still getting used to the idea that I’m world champion.

“Now many people know me. There is pressure, but it depends on how you view it. If you treat is as stress, you will feel stressed. I’d rather try to enjoy the feeling and take it positively.”