"An Se-young, a Global Star, Didn't Even Greet"... Badminton Association President Who Targeted Her Faces Backlash at National Audit

"World-class star doesn't greet," past remarks
"Said won't greet at this tournament either," claim
"Demand to step down, will consider carefully"

Kim Taek-gyu, President of the Badminton Korea Association. [Source=Yonhap News]

Kim Taek-gyu, president of the Korea Badminton Association, faced heavy criticism during a parliamentary audit for his remarks targeting 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist An Se-young, saying she "does not greet others."

On the 22nd, Kim attended as a witness at the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee's audit of the Korea Sports Council and related organizations. He was questioned about his previous statement, "An Se-young, perhaps because she is a global star, does not greet the athletes' village chief or the association president." When Yang Moon-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, conveyed that "An Se-young says she has never intentionally failed to greet anyone," Kim responded, "Then I guess only I feel that way."

Yang raised his voice, asking, "Are you playing with words?" Kim replied, "I also received reports that she did not greet seniors or coaches at the Denmark tournament this time." When Yang asked, "As the association president who should support the athlete to achieve good results, how do you feel about personally targeting and ostracizing a star player?" Kim countered, "How have I ostracized anyone?"

The argument continued during questioning by Kim Yoon-duk, another Democratic Party member. When Kim Yoon-duk said, "Not greeting others is rude, isn't it? Doesn't that indicate a problem with character?" Kim Taek-gyu responded, "When did I say she was rude? I don't understand what you are asking." Kim Yoon-duk then said, "You seem to have character issues. Please greet people properly." Kim replied, "Yes, I understand." Kim Yoon-duk repeated "I understand," mimicking Kim's tone, which caused laughter in the chamber.

When Kang Yoo-jung, also from the Democratic Party, demanded an apology for damaging An Se-young's image, Kim said, "I will apologize." Min Hyung-bae insisted, "That was not an apology," and demanded again. Kim then said, "I apologize for my thoughtless remarks that caused concern to the members and the public." When lawmakers urged him to apologize directly to An Se-young, he added, "I also apologize to player An Se-young." Finally, Min asked, "In my view, you are not suitable as the head of a public organization. There are many calls for you to step down. How will you respond?" Kim answered, "I will consider it carefully and thoughtfully."