Court Grants Injunction to Suspend Disciplinary Action Against Figure Skater Lee Hae-in Amid Sexual Harassment Controversy

3-Year License Suspension for Sexual Harassment Allegation
Court: "Difficult to Acknowledge Sexual Harassment"

The court has suspended the heavy disciplinary action imposed on figure skater Lee Hae-in for allegedly sexually harassing a junior during the national team training camp.

The Civil Division 21 of the Seoul Eastern District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Jeong-min) approved Lee's injunction request against the Korea Skating Union on the 12th.

Figure Skating Women's Singles Former National Representative Lee Hae-in. Photo by Yonhap News.

The court stated, "The mere fact that an adult engaged in affectionate behavior with a youth under the age of 16 does not necessarily constitute sexual harassment."

Following the court's approval of the injunction, Lee will be able to participate in the 2024 National Men’s and Women’s Figure Skating President’s Cup Ranking Competition, which will be held in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, starting on the 28th.

Previously, Lee was confirmed to have received a three-year suspension on August 3 for allegedly sexually harassing junior athlete A at the team’s accommodation during the national team’s overseas training camp in Varese, Italy, in May.

Subsequently, Lee has completely denied the sexual harassment allegations, presenting evidence through social media that she and A were in a romantic relationship.