"Really Scared" Volleyball Star Park Cheol-woo Furious Over Coach's Interview About '12-Year-Old Beating'

Director Sangryeol Lee receives indefinite suspension for past assault on Park Cheolwoo

Volleyball player Park Cheol-woo. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Professional volleyball player Park Cheol-woo (35) of Korea Electric Power Corporation expressed anger towards KB Insurance coach Lee Sang-yeol (55), who assaulted him 12 years ago. This appears to be due to comments Lee made in an interview just before the match against Woori Card the previous day.

On the 18th, Park Cheol-woo posted on Instagram, "This really makes my blood boil... Is this what it feels like for blood to rush backwards..."

On the 18th, volleyball player Park Cheol-woo posted on SNS. Photo by Park Cheol-woo SNS capture.

On the 17th, at Seoul Jangchung Gymnasium, when asked, "The volleyball world has been unsettled lately; have you said anything to the players?" Coach Lee Sang-yeol responded, calling it a "sensitive topic," but said, "Because I am someone with experience... if you become a perpetrator of violence, you will definitely pay the price."

He added, "The world is not like it used to be, and since we are under media scrutiny, even if no one curses me right now, you must apologize for your mistakes and be cautious. Life does not just pass by unnoticed by others. Whether financially or in terms of reputation, something will be taken away; it does not end well. Cause and effect are certain."

Amid recent controversies over school violence involving female volleyball stars sisters Lee Jae-young and Lee Da-young, Lee's remarks that day drew attention.

Previously, when Lee was the men's volleyball national team coach in 2009, he was severely disciplined with an 'indefinite suspension' for assaulting Park Cheol-woo, who was on the national team at the time. However, two years later, he was appointed as a game operations committee member of the Korea Volleyball Federation and returned, later working as a commentator, and last year took the helm at KB Insurance.

Back on the court, Coach Lee emphasized, "That is why I act with a feeling of apology to the players. I am trying harder to show a more exemplary image as a senior in the volleyball community."