Song Myeong-geun "I am indeed a school violence perpetrator... I will not participate in Gyeonggi"

Male professional volleyball player Song Myeong-geun of OK Financial Group, who was accused of school violence and became a subject of controversy, admitted that all the allegations were true and apologized. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] Song Myeong-geun (28), a male professional volleyball player for OK Financial Group who was accused of being a perpetrator of school violence (hakpok), publicly apologized on Instagram, admitting that all the allegations were true.

On the 14th, Song Myeong-geun posted on his Instagram, "Yes, everything is true. I fully admit it. I am indeed a perpetrator of school violence. It is true that I committed unforgivable acts."

He acknowledged his wrongdoing, saying, "No matter how young and immature I was at the time, inflicting physical and mental violence on someone and causing irreparable wounds is absolutely unforgivable."

He expressed a desire to apologize directly to the victim but also said, "The violence that has already been inflicted does not disappear," and "Who would want to face a past perpetrator of violence again?"

He continued, "As I have grown older, become a father, and gained many juniors, I painfully realize how serious, dangerous, and wrong my actions were back then," adding, "I reflect and reflect again."

He also said, "I sincerely apologize to the sports community, the volleyball community, OK Volleyball Team, the coach, and my precious teammates for my irresponsible actions committed during my childhood," and announced, "I will no longer participate in games."

He added, "Although it may be irresponsible as a senior, I plan to obtain the club's permission through the coach to refrain from participating in games from tomorrow onward as a sign of self-restraint," and said, "I believe this is the minimum duty."

Previously, a post from a victim claiming to have undergone surgery after being struck in a sensitive area by Song Myeong-geun was uploaded on an online community, sparking controversy. Shim Kyung-seop (30) was also identified as a perpetrator. In response, Song Myeong-geun and Shim Kyung-seop jointly issued an apology statement through their club on the 13th, admitting to the school violence. However, the victim stated on the same day, "I cannot accept or acknowledge such an absurd statement and apology," and added, "I hope the parties involved reconsider their stance more deeply and for a longer time and offer a proper apology."