Cancellation of the Yonko Rugby Match... Aftermath of Korea University Player's Death

Player Dies During Training Camp in Japan
Korea University Requests Cancellation of Rugby Match Against Yonsei University

Amid the death of a Korea University rugby player during training in Japan, this year's Yeonkojeon rugby match (held between Korea University and Yonsei University, with rugby played in odd years) is expected to be canceled.

Regular Annual Sports Competition (Odd years: Ko-Yon Sports Competition). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the 29th, according to Korea University and Yonsei University, Korea University sent an official letter to Yonsei University the previous day requesting the cancellation of the '2024 Regular Yeonkojeon' rugby match.

If both schools reach a final agreement, the Yeonkojeon rugby match scheduled for the 28th of next month at Goyang Sports Complex will be canceled. In this case, this year's Yeonkojeon is expected to proceed with only four events: baseball, basketball, and ice hockey on the first day, and soccer on the second day.

Earlier, Kim, a rugby player enrolled in the Department of Physical Education at Korea University's College of Education, died on the 20th while undergoing training in Japan. Kim collapsed due to exhaustion during training on the 19th in Ryugasaki City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, was transported to a nearby hospital, but passed away the following day.

There are also claims that the coach and coaching staff neglected Mr. A in relation to the fatal accident. Additionally, the temperature exceeded 32 degrees Celsius at the time, and it is reported that they performed shuttle runs, a back-and-forth running exercise.

Korea University is currently conducting a fact-finding investigation, including whether the coach and coaching staff responded appropriately after Kim collapsed.