[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Civic groups have filed a complaint with the prosecution against the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, the President of the Korea Sports Council, and other related officials, holding them responsible for neglecting to prevent the late athlete Choi Sook-hyun from making an extreme choice.
On the 9th, nine civic organizations, including the Pan-Civic Society Coalition (Beomsaryeon), held a press conference in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office and stated, "We are filing a complaint against the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and others for dereliction of duty as supervisory authorities, which led to Choi's death, from the perspective of social justice."
Beomsaryeon and others submitted a complaint to the prosecution naming Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Park Yang-woo, Human Rights Commission Chairperson Choi Young-ae, Korea Sports Council President Lee Ki-hong, National Police Agency Commissioner Min Gap-ryong, and Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young as defendants.
The organizations pointed out, "While the entire country was intoxicated with self-congratulatory 'gukppong' over K-quarantine and other achievements, our young daughter was suffering and dying from violence in K-sports," adding, "She endured unimaginable collective violence and harsh treatment before making an extreme choice."
They further urged, "The President of the Korea Sports Council, the President of the Korea Triathlon Federation, the Presidents of the Gyeongbuk and Gyeongju Sports Councils, and the Mayor of Gyeongju should resign from all their positions with a repentant heart and apologize to the public."
Choi Sook-hyun, a triathlon athlete affiliated with Gyeongju City Hall, suffered harsh treatment for a long time from Coach Kim Gyu-bong, team doctor An Joo-hyun, and two senior athletes before passing away on the 26th of last month.
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