[2020 National Audit] "Separation of Korea Sports Council from Politics over KOC, Guarantee Independence"

Rep. Choi Hyung-doo of the People Power Party Calls for Changes to Sports Association Bylaws to Maintain Autonomy

Rep. Choi Hyung-doo of the People Power Party is questioning during the National Assembly inspection by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] There has been a claim that guaranteeing the independence and autonomy of the Korea Sports Council (KSC) from politics is more important than the issue of separating the Korea Olympic Committee (KOC).

Choi Hyung-doo, a member of the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee from the People Power Party, raised his voice at the KSC’s national audit held on the 15th, saying, "To guarantee the independence and autonomy of the Korea Sports Council, it must be separated from politics, and this is a more important issue than the separation of the KOC."

Through his audit inquiry, Rep. Choi pointed out, "The Korea Sports Council and the KOC were integrated after long debates in 2009, and in 2016, the Sports Council and the Community Sports Association merged, creating the Korea Sports Council that encompasses both elite and community sports. Since the Community Sports Association has grassroots organizations closely connected to residents’ daily lives by region, there are concerns that the Korea Sports Council could be exploited for political purposes due to this merger."

He said, "Many citizens are skeptical about the government’s ongoing efforts to separate the Sports Council and the KOC for political purposes. Recently, there are even rumors that a ruling party lawmaker, who can exert strong influence in the sports sector, is trying to separate the KOC and take the position of the Sports Council president."

He added, "Therefore, it is undesirable to continue filling the head of such a large organization, which can be swayed by various elections and political purposes, with politicians. I ask whether there is any intention to promote institutional improvements, such as amending the Sports Council’s articles of association, to maintain the Korea Sports Council as an independent and autonomous organization." Lee Ki-heung, president of the Korea Sports Council, responded, "We will gather diverse opinions from the sports community."

Rep. Choi emphasized, "Separating the KOC from the Korea Sports Council is not as important as separating the Council from politics. The separation should not be used as a means for political interests in the political arena."