Ryu Seung-Min, table tennis
After earning a gold medal at the 2004 games in Athens, Ryu is looking to defend his title and beat out the world’s No.1 in table tennis, Wang Hao of China. Former Korean table tennis great Lee Elisa called Ryu the country’s best player in history. Can the 26-year-old succeed in August?

Kim Kyung-Ah and Park Mi-Young, women’s table tennis (doubles)
They scored gold for their class at the Brazil Open in mid-June. Kim, ranked 13th in the world, came in third overall in 2004 and is predicted to contribute fiercely to her team. Her Chinese teammate Dang Ye-Seo is also expected to reel in medals in front of her home nation.

Jang Mi-Ran, weightlifting
China’s Wu Shuangshuang may give Jang a run for her money, but the 20-year-old, who set records for the Korean team in Athens, is prepared to strike gold this summer. If she does, the three-time world champion will be Korea’s second-ever gold medalist for weightlifting.

Park Tae-Hwan, swimming
Park Tae-Hwan is prepared. In May, the 18-year-old started training in Guam in order to adjust to the hot climate of China. He currently holds the world’s No. 2 time in the 200-meter swim at 1 minute and 46 seconds, just behind U.S. swim champion Michael Phelps (1 minute and 45 seconds).

Archery team
Long held as Korea’s nest egg for gold medals, the world’s No.1 team is not looking to lose the title anytime soon. Some predict China’s No. 2 women’s team will have a home team advantage, but expect at least one gold medal for the Republic of Korea.

Hwang Kyung-Seon, taekwondo
The two-time world champion won bronze in Athens, so the only way left is up. The 22-year-old is aiming to snag gold for her class in the women’s 67 kg in Beijing.

Park Sung-Hwan, badminton
After sweeping up medals at the Asian Badminton Championships in Malaysia, Park, ranked 12th in the world, is expected to obtain gold for his power swings. If he does, he will be Korea’s first gold medalist in badminton. He currently holds a record against the No.1, Lin Dan of China.

Kim Do-Heon, soccer
Kim has an incentive to win gold in Beijing: the 26-year-old could be exempt from military service if his team succeeds. It will also give him an identity boost as the replacement for team favorite Park Ji-sung, who is out due to a bad knee. Rumored to be in-house rivals from their creative styles on the field, a medal for the team would seal Kim’s seat in the world soccer ranks.