‘Ogu Controversy’ Yuna Yoon Accepts "3-Year Suspension"... "Humbly Accepting" (Comprehensive)

Korean Golf Association Sports Fairness Committee Announces Disciplinary Action Related to Ogu
Yoo Nina Accepts Discipline, "Sincerely Sorry"
KLPGA Tour Also Confirms Disciplinary Committee Meeting and Announces Follow-up Measures

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Yoon Ina (19, photo), who caused the ‘Ogu scandal,’ has been given a severe penalty of a 3-year suspension from competition.

The Korea Golf Association (KGA) Sports Fairness Committee announced on the 19th, after reviewing the disciplinary hearing regarding Yoon Ina’s violation of golf rules during the Korean Women’s Open tournament, that "she will be suspended from participating in association-hosted and organized tournaments for 3 years." The committee explained, "Although Yoon Ina reported herself belatedly and is deeply remorseful, she caused social controversy and damaged the dignity of golf players. Considering that she undermined the fundamental spirit of golf?that golf is the only sport where one’s conscience is the judge?for currently active professional players and emerging junior players."

The committee cited as reasons for the disciplinary action that Yoon Ina knowingly violated golf rules but continued to participate until the next day, disrupting the order of the tournament; as a former national team member, she failed to set an example for other golfers; she concealed the rule violation and only voluntarily reported it after a significant period, thereby damaging the trust that is the foundation of golf and causing social controversy.

Yoon Ina attended the meeting on the day and responded to the inquiry. Although she could have appealed the disciplinary decision to the Korea Sports Council Sports Fairness Committee within 7 days of receiving the decision, she humbly accepted it. Yoon Ina stated, "I respect the decision of the Sports Fairness Committee and will accept the imposed penalty." She added, "I sincerely apologize for causing harm to my fellow and senior players due to my immature actions and for greatly disappointing all the fans who love Korean women’s golf. I will take sufficient time for reflection and self-restraint going forward."

During the first round of the 36th DB Group Korean Women’s Open in June, Yoon Ina’s tee shot on the 15th hole veered to the right, and she proceeded with the game believing she had found the ball in the rough. Later, she realized it was not her ball but took no action and continued playing. About a month after the tournament ended, on the 15th of last month, she voluntarily reported the Ogu play to the Korea Golf Association, and on the 25th of the same month, she issued an apology and temporarily suspended her tournament participation.

Yoon Ina was cut off at the Korean Women’s Open but was disqualified after voluntarily reporting the rule violation. Known for her long drives, Yoon Ina gained attention as a ‘next-generation star’ by winning the KLPGA Tour Ever Collagen Queens Crown on the 17th of last month, but following this controversy, she suspended participation in the remaining tournaments this year.

Following the KGA’s disciplinary action, the KLPGA Tour has also initiated disciplinary procedures against Yoon Ina. It has been confirmed that a disciplinary committee will be held, and schedules of the committee members are being coordinated. A significant penalty is also expected from the KLPGA Tour. While the KGA’s penalty is effectively limited to the Korean Women’s Open tournament, the KLPGA Tour’s disciplinary action applies to all approximately 30 tournaments held annually. Yoon Ina now faces a critical turning point in her athletic career.