Late Choi Sook-hyun's Father: "Im Oh-kyung's Remarks Were Inappropriate Even to Me... She Might Have Been Regretful"

'Why leave it abandoned in Busan?', 'Why not bring it home?' remarks
Im O-kyung explains, "I expressed my heartfelt regret"

Im Oh-kyung, Democratic Party of Korea / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Im O-kyung, a former national handball player and member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is suspected of making inappropriate remarks during phone calls to the father and fellow athletes of the late Choi Sook-hyun, a triathlon (triathlon) athlete who took her own life due to harsh treatment within the team.

Choi's father expressed his feelings, saying, "Even I think those remarks were inappropriate," but added, "He might have said those things out of some regret."

Choi's father, Young-hee Choi, appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 6th and said, "I also spoke with (Representative Im) twice," adding, "He made remarks like, 'Why did you leave (Choi) struggling there in Busan?' and 'Why didn't you bring her home?'"

He continued, "At that time, I replied to Representative Im, saying, 'That is my biggest regret too, but saying such things to the bereaved family feels like driving another nail into my heart.'"

However, when asked whether Representative Im was intentionally siding with the coach and team members who subjected the deceased to harsh treatment, he said no.

Choi said, "When the second call from (Representative Im) came, he said he would thoroughly investigate and work hard in the National Assembly," adding that the call was made with that intention.

The late Choi Sook-hyun, a triathlon athlete, winning a gold medal at the 2013 National Marine Sports Festival. / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, Representative Im was embroiled in allegations of making inappropriate remarks to Choi's father and fellow athletes. According to a transcript of a phone call obtained by 'TV Chosun' on the 5th, Representative Im called Choi's teammates and said, "This is National Assembly member Im O-kyung," adding, "It is unfortunate that Choi took her own life after transferring teams from Gyeongju City Hall to Busan City Hall earlier this year."

He continued, "She came to a good team and was doing well, so what crime does the Busan teachers have now?" and "What crime does the Busan Sports Council have? Why is Busan suffering damage like this?"

Representative Im also inquired about Choi's family background, past medical history, and personal matters. He said, "I heard (Choi) had a boyfriend; was there something bad with him?" "Just because a violence incident happened, I don't think the whole team is abusive," and "Gyeongju City Hall was strange. I don't understand it. I communicate with my friends there, but we are not like that," among other remarks.

As the controversy grew, Representative Im issued a statement in the afternoon to clarify. He questioned, "The recording with a friend shows that Choi had a very hard time with the investigation by the prosecution and police. What was wrong with expressing sorrow and a painful heart about this?"

Regarding the question about the boyfriend, he explained, "When something happens to athletes, we thoroughly review any changes in their personal circumstances."

He added, "It was painful as a former athlete to see the entire sports community treated this way because of what happened in Gyeongju," emphasizing, "I will not be discouraged and will uncover the truth behind the late Choi Sook-hyun's death, and through hearings and national investigations, root out those responsible from the top."