'Insults to family of unconscious boxer': Kim Na-mi, Secretary-General of the Korean Sports Council, steps down

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Na-mi, Secretary-General of the Korean Sports Council, has apologized for her inappropriate remarks made to the family of a middle school student boxer who is in a coma and has resigned from her post.

Through the Korean Sports Council on the 4th, Secretary-General Kim stated, "I deeply apologize to the public and athletes for causing concern due to this incident," and added, "Feeling the heavy responsibility as a public official, I will step down from my position."

A middle school student from Muan, South Jeolla Province, named A, collapsed during a match held at the Jeju Seogwipo Multi-purpose Gymnasium in September last year and has remained unconscious since.

The issue arose when Secretary-General Kim denied the support she had promised to the victim's family immediately after the accident and further made shocking remarks. According to Mokpo MBC, Secretary-General Kim made inappropriate comments such as "There was no possibility for the child from the start" and "Is she trying to make a big gamble," fueling controversy.

Yoo Seung-min (Chairman), who was on a business trip abroad to attend the 6th SanYa Asian Beach Games, adjusted her schedule upon learning of the controversy and returned early on the 1st. She then ordered the immediate suspension and removal of Secretary-General Kim's duties and authority, initiating disciplinary proceedings. Three days after the Sports Council's disciplinary action was announced, Secretary-General Kim resigned.

The Sports Council stated, "Recognizing the seriousness of this incident, we will re-examine our systems to ensure that athlete protection functions without gaps, raise awareness of public official ethics, strictly manage organizational discipline, and concentrate all efforts on restoring public trust."

Secretary-General Kim Na-mi, a former alpine ski racer, served as a member of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Bid Committee and as Vice President of the International Biathlon Union, accumulating international sports administration experience. She also held positions as Vice President of the Korean Triathlon Association and Secretary-General of the Sports Talent Development Foundation.

Secretary-General Kim was appointed as the first female Secretary-General in the history of the Korean Sports Council in March last year, drawing attention, but she has now resigned in disgrace.

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*This content was translated by AI.