'Controversy Over "Worrying About the Perpetrator"' Im Oh-kyung: "I Was the Most Angry and Outraged About the Choi Sook-hyun Case"

Im Oh-kyung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is questioning the coach of the Gyeongju City Triathlon team during an emergency inquiry on the death of the late athlete Choi Sook-hyun held at the National Assembly on the 6th./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Su-wan] Im Oh-kyung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, has come under controversy for allegedly making remarks that seemed to defend the perpetrators when calling the father and fellow athletes of the late triathlon athlete Choi Sook-hyun, who took her own life due to harsh treatment within the team. In response, Im stated, "I was the most outraged and expressed my anger, and I will do everything possible to propose a solution to this incident."

On the 8th, Im wrote on her Facebook, "The reason I actively reprimanded the Korea Sports Council, Gyeongju City Sports Council, Korea Triathlon Federation, and the coach more than anyone else during yesterday's briefing was precisely because of this," she said.

She continued, "I once again express my deep condolences for the tragic death of athlete Choi Sook-hyun and pray for the repose of her soul," adding, "As someone who knows the sports field better than anyone, I am doing my utmost to uncover the truth and to prepare measures and propose related laws to prevent second and third victims from emerging."

Regarding the Korea Triathlon Federation Sports Fairness Committee's decision to impose permanent expulsion and suspension on the perpetrators, including the coach and players, she said, "It is truly frustrating why this was only decided now."

She added, "As someone who has been a coach in the sports field regarding this situation, I will do my best to ensure that second and third Choi Sook-hyuns never appear again in our society," emphasizing, "I will pursue a parliamentary hearing to uncover the truth to the end. I will also strive to create alternatives and properly establish the system."

Finally, she said, "If there are citizens who are worried about me due to the phone recordings, I apologize," and stated, "I will not do things just to look good in the media. I will protect this society so that the sacrifice of the deceased is not repeated."

Meanwhile, earlier, Im sparked controversy by making inappropriate remarks to Choi’s fellow athlete such as "What crime did the Busan Sports Council commit?", "Did you have a bad relationship with your boyfriend?", and "Gyeongju City Hall is unique."

On the 5th, TV Chosun released a phone recording containing these remarks. According to the report, on the 3rd, Im called a fellow athlete of Choi, who belonged to Busan City Hall, introducing herself as "National Assembly member Im Oh-kyung." She then said about the police and prosecution investigations Choi underwent, "Why did they treat the parents so harshly towards their child... There are other procedures to discipline (the perpetrators), and ways to impose sanctions or expel them... Why did they make a young athlete undergo police and prosecution investigations...?"

Regarding Choi’s extreme choice after transferring to Busan City Hall, she also made remarks that seemed to defend the Busan Sports Council. She said, "She moved teams to do well, so it’s heartbreaking. She came to a good team and was doing well, so what crime does the Busan teacher have, what crime does the Busan Sports Council have... Why is Busan also suffering damage...?"

After the controversy grew following the report, Im issued a statement the same day, expressing "serious regret toward the conservative sports community and conservative media colluding to bring down Im Oh-kyung out of fear of the truth being revealed," and declared, "Undeterred, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee will uncover the truth behind the athlete’s death and root out those involved through a national audit."