From ‘Goat Boy’ to Gold Medalist: Korean Relay Star Inspired by ‘Descendants of the Sun’ Actors |
From TV Cameo to Track Superstar
Remember the charming kid who asked for a goat in the immensely popular 2016 Korean drama “Descendants of the Sun,” featuring stars Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, and Jin Goo? That was Namadi Joeljin, born in 2006 to a Nigerian national long jumper father and Korean mother. While his role as the “goat boy” in the fictional town of Uruk was brief, his real-life journey outpaced many-discovering running in 5th grade and rapidly rising through Korea’s athletic ranks. His story, blending the innocence of a TV role and the dedication of an athlete, captivated fans and laid the groundwork for a spectacular sporting career. Having grown up balancing two cultures, Namadi’s journey reflects resilience and a rising global spirit.
Making History: Korea’s First 400m Relay Gold
At the Summer World University Games in Germany on July 27, 2025, Joeljin teamed with Minjoon Seo, Jaeseong Lee, and Jungyoon Kim to clinch Korea’s first-ever global gold medal in the men’s 400m relay with a blistering 38.50 seconds. The Korea Association of Athletics Federations (KAAF) acknowledges this as a new landmark record for Korea. Earlier in May, the same team won the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi with a record-smashing time of 38.49 seconds-confirming their status as Asia’s rising sprint powerhouse. These victories didn’t just add medals to Korea’s tally; they changed perceptions, inspiring young athletes across the country to dream bigger in athletics, a field long dominated by other nations. The team’s synchronization and explosive speed demonstrated the potential of Korean sprinting on the global stage.
A Bicultural Champion Breaking Boundaries
Namadi’s unique heritage-Nigerian athleticism from his father and Korean determination from his mother-fuels his sprinting prowess. Officially, he set the Korean high school 100m record at 10.30 seconds in 2024, among Asia’s best young sprinters. His success story is an inspiring symbol of multiculturalism blossoming in Korean sports. In a society where mixed heritage athletes sometimes face challenges, Namadi’s rise delivers a hopeful message, showing how diverse backgrounds can become powerful assets. His disciplined training and cultural fusion highlight a new era for Korean athletics, promoting inclusivity and excellence.
Dreaming of Olympic Glory
Returning from international triumph, Namadi said, “I love being the second runner-it’s my chance to surprise everyone.” His ultimate ambition is to break the 10-second barrier in the 100m dash, a feat that would open the doors to the Olympics and possibly earn him the nickname “Usain Bolt of the Han River.” His mix of humility and fierce determination continues to inspire many young athletes. Beyond the track, Namadi actively shares his story, encouraging youth to embrace their heritage and pursue dreams against all odds. He believes that sports can unite cultures and inspire positive change.
About “Descendants of the Sun”
“Descendants of the Sun” (2016) is a romantic military drama set in the fictional land of Uruk that took Asia by storm.Stars include Song Joong-ki (Captain Yoo Si-jin), Song Hye-kyo (Dr. Kang Mo-yeon), and Jin Goo (Sergeant Seo Dae-young).The drama’s global success inspired countless youth, including up-and-coming athletes like Namadi Joeljin. It highlighted courage, love, and sacrifice-values Namadi echoes in his athletic journey today.
