An Kum Ae won the first gold medal for the country in the 52kg category event of women's judo.

At that time, media and websites of various countries reported the news about her victory.

An clinched gold medals at women's judo world cups in 2010 and 2012 and at the 5th Military World Games, the 2005 Asian Judo Championship, the 15th Asian Games and the 20th international judo games. And she bagged a silver medal at the 29th Olympic Games and bronze medals at the world judo championships in 2005 and 2007.

She was awarded the title of Merited Athlete in 2006 and the title of DPRK Labor Hero in 2012.