Shin Ji-hyun Biography: South Korean Guard, Olympian & WKBL Star

Shin Ji-hyun is a South Korean professional basketball player who has played guard for Bucheon KEB Hana Bank in the Women’s Korean Basketball League (WKBL) and has represented South Korea at the international level, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Known for her scoring ability, playmaking, and resilience, Shin is a former WKBL Rookie of the Year and a prominent figure in South Korean women’s basketball.

Shin-Ji-hyun
Shin-Ji-hyun for FemaleSports.in

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Shin Ji-hyun (신지현)

  • Date of Birth: September 12, 1995

  • Height: 5’8″ (173 cm)

  • Position: Guard

  • Early Basketball:

    • Started playing basketball in fourth grade

    • Attended Sunil Elementary School and Sunil Women’s High School, following the path of legendary Korean guards

    • Scored 61 points in a memorable high school game, a record that helped her become the first pick in the 2013 WKBL Rookie Draft

    • Won Rookie of the Year in her debut season

Professional Career

  • Club Teams:

    • Bucheon KEB Hana Bank (WKBL):

      • Rookie of the Year (2013)

      • All-Star (2015)

      • Career Highlights:

        • Missed the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons due to ACL and Achilles injuries

        • Returned to play in 2018, averaging 10 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 rebounds per game

        • Led team to first win of the season in November 2018 with key performances

        • Recognized for her ability to bounce back after major injuries

      • Notable Stats:

        • 17 points vs. Asan Woori Bank (2018)

        • 10 points vs. Suwon OK Savingbank OK Shoot (2018)

  • Playing Style:

    • Versatile scoring and playmaking

    • Strong ball-handling and passing

    • Known for her leadership and energy on the court

International Career

  • South Korean National Team:

    • Olympics:

      • 2020 Tokyo: Represented South Korea

      • Olympic Stats (2020):

        • 3 games, 5.3 minutes per game

        • 1.7 points, 1.3 assists per game

        • 33.3% field goal and three-point shooting

  • Other International Appearances:

    • Regular contributor in FIBA and other international competitions

Achievements & Honors

  • WKBL Rookie of the Year (2013)

  • WKBL All-Star (2015)

  • Olympian (2020 Tokyo)

  • Professional player in South Korea

  • Known for resilience and leadership after major injuries

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Versatile scoring and playmaking

    • Strong ball-handling and passing

    • Leadership and energy

    • Resilience and determination

  • Style:

    • Aggressive, dynamic guard who excels in both scoring and playmaking

    • Brings championship experience and a team-first mentality

FAQs About Shin Ji-hyun

What position does Shin Ji-hyun play?
Guard

Which team does she play for?
Bucheon KEB Hana Bank (WKBL); South Korean national team (international)

How old is Shin Ji-hyun?
29 (born September 12, 1995; as of June 2025)

What are her main achievements?
WKBL Rookie of the Year, WKBL All-Star, Olympian

What is her playing style?
Versatile, aggressive guard with strong scoring and playmaking

Conclusion

Shin Ji-hyun is a respected and accomplished guard whose scoring, playmaking, and resilience have made her a key figure in South Korean basketball and a role model for overcoming adversity.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)