Athlete’s Position

In response to public speculation, Lee released an official statement through social media clarifying that she had never accused the coach of sexual misconduct. She emphasized that the core issue was the unexpected and forceful physical action at a moment of extreme exhaustion, which caused significant discomfort and pain. Lee further noted that she did not receive an apology after the incident, which deepened concerns about responsibility and communication within the team. Her clarification redirected the discussion toward athlete protection and the boundaries of acceptable coaching behavior.

Disciplinary Committee Findings

On December 10, the Samcheok City Sports Council suspended coach Kim for 18 months, citing authority abuse, negligence of duty, harassment, and violations of athlete rights. Officials explained that the case was not reviewed as a sexual harassment matter because Lee did not report experiencing sexual humiliation. Instead, multiple athletes submitted written complaints describing a broader pattern of coercive conduct and improper management practices under the coach. Kim claimed his intention was to protect the athlete from exposure and fatigue, but his explanation conflicted with the video evidence and the athlete’s testimony.

Broader Implications for Korean Athletics

The coach has seven days to appeal the suspension, leaving the dispute ongoing. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked a national conversation about systemic oversight in Korean sports, the need for stronger athlete-protection frameworks, and the professional boundaries that must be upheld by coaching staff. As public pressure increases, the case is becoming a pivotal moment for reconsidering governance standards within athletics and may accelerate broader reforms across the industry.