"An Se-young Must Be So Frustrated... Directors Are Covering My Eyes and Ears," Badminton Association President Complains

"Will Lead the Abolition of Outdated Customs" Emphasized
"Elite Sports Officials Have Closed Their Eyes and Ears" Claimed

Kim Taek-gyu, president of the Badminton Korea Association, has expressed his willingness to accept and improve the unreasonable customs and systems of the Badminton Association following An Se-young's request. On the 27th, in an interview with Yonhap News, Kim stated, "Overall, the old-generation customs must be abolished," adding, "We need to revise all regulations related to national team selection, sponsorship, and contracts, and the top priority is to make the life of national team players comfortable."

Kim continued, "For someone to say such things even after winning a gold medal shows how much resentment there must be," and added, "(Although) my term as president is almost over, I will do my best to improve the system. I will thoroughly review all additional opinions submitted." He specifically mentioned that he would closely examine the regulations related to national team selection, sponsorship, and contracts pointed out by An Se-young.

Earlier, after winning the gold medal in women's singles badminton at the '2024 Paris Olympics,' An Se-young said, "I think it is harsh for players not to be able to participate in the Olympics just because they leave the national team." This was a criticism of the current national team selection regulations. The current rules stipulate that retired national team players can participate in international competitions only if they are at least 27 years old for women and 28 years old for men.

Additionally, An Se-young expressed, "I believe that even without advertisements, one can enjoy sufficient economic rewards through badminton," and said, "I hope the sponsorship and contractual restrictions are loosened and expanded." The current national team operation guidelines state that "(players) must use the uniforms and equipment designated by the association and actively cooperate with promotional activities upon the association's request." Furthermore, the Korean Corporate Badminton Federation regulations specify that "(for rookie players) the contract period for high school graduates is seven years, and the signing bonus cannot exceed 100 million won over seven years," and "the first-year salary cannot exceed 50 million won, and the annual salary increase cannot exceed 7% until three years have passed."

Kim Taek-gyu, President of the Badminton Korea Association [Photo by Yonhap News]

"The association's bylaws will include provisions to impose contribution fees on executives"

Meanwhile, regarding criticism that there is no sponsorship from the association's executives, President Kim responded, "I don't know since when, but the Badminton Association executives have never paid sponsorship fees," adding, "This issue can be resolved by including provisions in the association's bylaws to impose contribution fees on executives." When asked if there was a lack of effort to attract external sponsorships, he admitted, "When I came to the association, most sponsors were already decided. Now, we need to switch to those who provide more funding."

2024 Paris Olympics Badminton Women's Singles Gold Medalist An Se-young
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding allegations that 30% of the total shuttlecock supply purchased through government projects was additionally obtained through side contracts, Kim explained, "These were received as sponsored goods, and at the time, I received a legal interpretation from a lawyer stating there was no problem." On allegations of receiving rebates from souvenir manufacturers, he replied, "That is not true."

Meanwhile, Kim, a former recreational athlete, claimed that elite sports officials who make up the majority of the association's board of directors obstructed the association's administration. Kim said, "They blinded my eyes and ears. Every time we held a board meeting, my opinions were never reflected," and lamented, "Ultimately, the 'incompetent president' came to understand the players' discomfort through An Se-young's words."