In response to Ulsan's demand for an official apology from supporters, the ethics center launched an investigation

*This content was translated by AI.

Ulsan HD in the K-League 1 is in a tight spot. Midfielder Ko Seung-beom (32) was not given maternity leave due to off-season training ahead of his wife's birth last year, but rather received a shocking text from a senior club official, which is a backlash. Amid the silence of the club, supporters have officially demanded the establishment of a disciplinary system and an official apology from those responsible. The Sports Ethics Center under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism was also reported to have launched an investigation after receiving a report on the related information.

The Ulsan Supporters Cheoyong company sent an official letter to the Ulsan club on the 5th about "official statements and demands for the infringement of the rights and interests of its players and the reform of unethical organizational culture" and released the full text of the statement included in the official letter. In a statement, the supporters said, "The inappropriate words and actions of club members at the most precious moment of the player's 'birth of family' are a clear violation of rights and interests," adding, "We cannot expect a healthy club's philosophy in an organization where basic common sense is not observed. The club should acknowledge the internal ills revealed through this incident and show determination to correct them," he stressed.

The supporters then said, "The philosophy and direction presented by the club is established only when basic respect for members is premised. "An organization that cannot protect even the most basic human rights does not deserve the trust of its fans," he pointed out, asking the club to make an official apology for ▲ establishing a disciplinary system ▲ improving organizational culture ▲ education for the manager.

"To prevent recurrence, we should establish specific and strict internal punishment regulations for unethical behavior and human rights violations, introduce mandatory human rights and ethics education organized by specialized external organizations for all employees, and regularize them," the supporters said. "As the final manager of the club's operation, the head of the team should clearly explain the situation and apologize through the official channel, and disclose a detailed roadmap to prevent a recurrence," he added. "Just because the official is not currently in the club, the act without an apology will only make the situation worse."

The supporters, who set the 13th as the deadline for the club's response, warned, "If there is no responsible answer or tangible action within the deadline, we will take a hard-line response such as reporting to the federation and related organizations, publicizing the media, exercising fan solidarity skills, and continuing protests to correct the club's moral deficiencies." It only demands human rights and respect that should be kept most basic and natural," he added.

According to the soccer community on the 5th, the Sports Ethics Center also reportedly launched a full-fledged investigation after receiving a report on the Ko Seung-beom incident. As the case is so serious, it may lead to disciplinary action against Ulsan clubs and officials, depending on the results of the investigation.

Earlier in September last year, Ko Seung-beom gave birth to his second child and a sudden team training period overlapped. Ko Seung-beom wanted to be around his wife and other family members through maternity leave, but the club ordered him to leave the night before giving birth and return to the training camp the next day. It took 10 hours to travel between Ulsan and Sokcho, Gangwon Province, the site of the training camp.

Even a high-ranking club official said at the time, "My husband's position should be understood and my family should help me," adding, "My mother-in-law seems to have no choice but to participate in the crime of having a daughter." Instead, give proper financial compensation to your mother-in-law. If you calculate 1 million won a day and give 5 million won, wouldn't you hear the sound of filial piety. It was known that he sent a shocking text message, such as, "You can get as many caregivers as you need from your wife," causing a stir.

After the controversy grew, the Korea Professional Footballers Association said, "The reality that a player has to be taken to the field of training at the moment when a child is blessed to be born must change," adding that it will strongly demand the introduction of spouse maternity leave regulations that fit the reality of the K-League.

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*This content was translated by AI.