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K-BOAT, South Korea’s competitive motorboat racing sport, has traditionally been dominated by veteran riders such as Kim Jong-min (A1), who is closing in on a historic 600-career-win milestone, alongside Sim Sang-chul (A1) and Eo Sun-kyu (A1). Established names like Kim Wan-suck (A1), Kim Min-kil (A1), Kim Min-jyun (A1), and Cho Sung-in (A1) continue to anchor their respective cohorts, while younger talents Park Won-kyu (B2) and Lee Hwi-dong (A2) have recently started emerging from their rookie statuses.
Despite previously overshadowed by senior riders, the 15th to 17th intakes are now increasingly catching attention. Jung Se-hyuk (15th intake, A2) is leading the charge among his peers, recording six wins and three third-place finishes from 18 races this year, maintaining a winning percentage of 33.3%, with a notable 66.6% winning percentage when racing from inner lanes (lanes 1–2).
Fellow 15th intake rider Lee In (A2) has also impressed, achieving win rate of 18.8% in 16 races, though, like Jung, he performs significantly better when positioned in inner lanes. Kim Ji-young (A2), another promising talent from the 15th intake, consistently secures top-three finishes, demonstrating solid potential alongside improving riders Kim Kyeong-il (B2) and Han Jun-hee (B2).
The 16th intake has faced challenges, with notable riders Na Jong-ho (B1) and Hong Jin-su (A2) recently penalised for false starts. This situation has allowed Choi In-won (B2) and Jeon Dong-wook (B2) to emerge prominently. Choi, praised for his excellent start technique and motor tuning skills, has achieved two wins and four second-place finishes from 14 races. Meanwhile, Jeon Dong-wook, despite not yet securing a first-place finish this year, has shown commendable consistency with five second places and three third-place finishes across various lanes.
Kim Bo-kyung (B2) and Park Min-seong (B1), also from the 16th intake, are rapidly improving, with Kim notably undefeated from the first lane, and Park consistently finishing in the top two positions in all his races this year.
Although still in their early stages, the 17th intake riders, including Hwang Dong-kyu (B2), Lee Hyun-jun (B2), and Jo Mi-hwa (B1), have begun making their mark against senior competition.
Im Byeong-jun, Head of the K-BOAT forecasting publication 'Kuaesokjeong,' noted, "Riders within their first nine semesters of racing are exempt from relegation based on their lower 7% performances. This regulation now exclusively benefits the 17th intake, while the 15th and 16th intakes must remain vigilant, seizing opportunities when advantageous motors or favourable lane assignments come their way."
