'Unconscious' Middle School Boxing Athlete's Family Receives 'Inappropriate Remarks'... Korean Sports Council Secretary-General Controversy: "I Sincerely Apologize"

*This content was translated by AI.

The Korean Sports Council issued an official apology regarding the inappropriate remarks made by its secretary-general in connection with a recent accident involving a middle school boxing athlete. Yoo Seung-min decided to shorten his overseas business trip schedule and return early to personally visit the victim's family.

Through a statement released on the 30th, the Korean Sports Council said, "We express deep regret over the secretary-general's interview content reported in the media," and announced, "We sincerely apologize to the athlete and family who suffered great pain from this incident, and to all citizens who feel disappointed."

A tragic accident occurred during the 55th President's Cup National Provincial Boxing Tournament held in Jeju last September. At the time, middle school athlete A was knocked down by an opponent's punch during the match and underwent brain surgery, but eight months later, he remains unconscious and is fighting for his life. Immediately after the accident, Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) stated via his personal social networking service (SNS), "As a father of two sons, my heart trembles," and promised a thorough investigation and prevention of recurrence.

However, eight months later, the Korean Sports Council has caused even greater pain to the victim's family. According to the sports community, it was revealed that the secretary-general of the Korean Sports Council had promised support to the parents of the injured student but later retracted the promise. In response, the council stated, "Inappropriate remarks cannot be justified for any reason. We seriously recognize this as a grave issue in which we abandoned our duty as a public institutional investor responsible for prioritizing the protection of the athlete's life and safety."

According to the Korean Sports Council, Yoo Seung-min (Chairman), who is currently in China attending the 6th Asian Beach Games, will adjust his schedule after receiving a report on the matter locally and return early. Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) stated, "There is no value more important than the life and safety of an athlete, and comfort and empathy must come first under any circumstances," and added, "Upon returning to the country, I will personally visit the athlete and his parents to offer a sincere apology and will explore all possible measures to aid in his full recovery."

The Korean Sports Council plans to comprehensively re-examine its internal and external communication processes and internal management systems in light of this incident. Additionally, following the revision of regulations for member sports organizations in December last year, the council is currently pursuing a revision of its articles of incorporation to include the mandatory establishment of safety plans, and has promised to develop and implement sport-specific safety manuals by the end of this year.

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*This content was translated by AI.