AN SE YOUNG - WHO IS SHE?
An Se Young is one of the most influential athletes of her generation — a world champion whose impact on women’s badminton reaches far beyond rankings and titles. From her first victory against then-World Number 1 in less 66 riveting minutes to her now 10th World Championship. Her arrival in Australia for the Australian Badminton Open (ABO) 2025 marked more than a competitive appearance. It also became the destination of her 10th world title this year.
During ABO, our team worked closely with the players as the official documentary team. documentary work, engaging directly with the athletes and the environment that shapes elite performances. It was within this context that our path crossed with An Se Young — a player disarmingly sweet off court, yet fiercely focused when it mattered most.
BEYOND THE COURT
A Connection Formed Through Conversation
Spending time with An Se Young away from the court changes the way you understand her entirely. Se Young speaks softly, listens carefully, and carries herself with an ease that feels almost at odds with the intensity she brings into competition. Nothing is performative about her presence — just an energetic young lady and a genuine warmth that makes people feel instantly at ease.
What stays with us most is her clarity. Despite her age, she reflects with depth, aware of both her limits and her direction. She talks about her love for badminton, the training, pressure, and growth without drama, as if effort itself were simply part of life. There was no hesitation in her ambition to succeed.
'Badminton is my everything'
And then there are the small moments. She gets genuinely excited about posters, hand-drawn notes, and thoughtful little gifts, reacting with the same sincerity she brings to everything else. In those moments, you glimpse the girl beneath the titles: curious, appreciative, and quietly joyful. That softness in turn, sharpens her strength in the position.
BEING THERE, LOOKING FORWARD
To be present in seeing Se Young reach a remarkable milestone, 10 World Titles in one competing year, definitely should be recognised as a trajectory. . An Se Young is not defined by what she has won, but by what she is clearly moving toward.
There is a long road ahead — in Australia, across the world, across years still to come.
And we are excited not only to watch it unfold, but to be there along the way.
We look forward to everything that comes next.
THE FORCE BEHIND IT ALL
Last but not least, a huge heartfelt thank you to NBC and the Volunteer Team — for the trust, the support, and all the unseen work that keeps ABO moving. But also a huge appreciation to everyone behind all tournaments to make it happen, from umpires, to assistants to all the volunteers who make sure everything runs smoothly.
Please enjoy the preview of the ABO 2025 official documentary below:
