An Se-young

South Korean badminton player who became the youngest women's singles World Champion in 2022 and successfully defended her title in 2023.

Born in Gwangju, South Korea, on July 23, 2002, An Se-young emerged from the country's robust badminton development system to become one of the sport's most formidable talents. She began playing badminton at age seven and quickly distinguished herself through junior competitions, demonstrating the aggressive baseline style and tactical acumen that would later define her professional career. An's breakthrough came in 2019 when she claimed her first BWF World Tour title at the Indonesia Masters at just 16 years old, announcing her arrival on the international stage. Her ascent accelerated dramatically in 2021 and 2022, during which she established herself as the dominant force in women's singles badminton. She captured multiple prestigious titles including the All England Open and Asian Championships, consistently defeating top-ranked opponents with her powerful smash and exceptional court coverage. The pinnacle of An's career achievements includes her remarkable unbeaten streak in BWF World Tour Finals competition and her rise to world number one ranking. Her playing style combines explosive attacking power with strategic patience, allowing her to control rallies from the baseline while capitalizing on opponents' defensive weaknesses. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional mental resilience in high-pressure situations, often recovering from difficult positions to secure victories. An Se-young's impact extends beyond individual victories to her role in maintaining South Korea's traditional excellence in badminton. Her technical proficiency and tactical sophistication have influenced coaching methodologies and inspired a new generation of players. Many badminton analysts regard her as the most complete women's singles player of her generation, possessing the rare combination of physical prowess, technical precision, and competitive intelligence that defines elite champions. Her continued dominance has reshaped the competitive landscape of international women's badminton.

Aggressive baseline player with powerful smashes and excellent court coverage

Rising star who became world champion at age 20, known for aggressive attacking play

• BWF World Championships 2022
• BWF World Championships 2023
• All England Open 2021
• Indonesia Masters 2019