"Shocked by Coach's Actions... No Apology Received": Marathon Athlete Speaks Out on Physical Contact Controversy

"Not Sexual Harassment," Says Coach
"The Issue Is Not Sexual Intent,
But Severe Pain From Forceful Physical Contact"

Regarding the controversy over inappropriate physical contact involving an affiliated athlete at the 2025 Incheon International Marathon, Kim Wanki, coach of the Samcheok City Hall athletics team in Gangwon Province, explained, "It was not sexual harassment." However, the athlete in question, Lee Sumin, stated, "I have not received any apology from the coach."

The moment Lee Sumin (Samcheok City Hall), who finished first in the women's category of the 2025 Incheon International Marathon, crossed the finish line. Photo by KBS Sports

On the 25th, Lee wrote on her Instagram, "After the incident, I was the one who approached the coach first and clearly told him, 'You pulled me too hard right after I crossed the finish line, and it caused me pain. That behavior was inappropriate.' I also said that if my reaction to shake off his hand hurt his feelings, I was sorry," adding, "However, the coach did not offer any concrete apology or acknowledgment." She continued, "The coach responded evasively, did not apologize for his controversial actions, and since then, there has been no personal or official apology or contact from him at all."

Coach Wrapped Her Upper Body, Athlete Pushed Him Away... The Controversial Scene at Incheon Marathon

The controversy arose at the finish line section of the "2025 Incheon International Marathon" held in Songdo, Incheon, on the 23rd. Before Lee, who finished first in the domestic women's division, could slow down, Coach Kim approached with a towel and blocked her by wrapping her upper body. Lee forcefully shook off Coach Kim's hand and grimaced, and this moment was broadcast live on television. Afterward, online comments included, "The athlete's expression shows clear discomfort," "His hand went excessively below the waist," and "How must he have acted in the past for her to react this way?" with many questioning whether it was sexual harassment.

The moment Su Min Lee (Samcheok City Hall), who finished first in the women's division of the 2025 Incheon International Marathon, crossed the finish line. Photo by KBS Sports

"The Issue Is Not Sexual Intent, But Pain... Shocked by Incomprehensible Behavior"

Regarding this, Lee said, "I have never defined or claimed this incident as 'sexual harassment.' The real issue is not whether there was sexual intent, but that I experienced severe pain due to unexpected, forceful physical contact immediately after finishing the race." She added, "In a state of breathlessness and confusion, I was shocked by the forceful grab on my body. At that moment, I felt sharp pain in my chest and solar plexus, and my arms were so tightly held that I felt restrained and could hardly break free even when I tried to resist."

Lee continued, "At the time, I couldn't even comprehend the situation, and only after walking forward did I realize it was the coach who had acted that way. I was deeply shocked by the pain and the behavior that was hard to accept," she said. "During the official investigation of the incident, I was again shocked to see the coach first state that he had done nothing wrong before any inquiry took place." She added, "It was a very difficult and confusing experience to see someone who is supposed to protect the athlete and set things right release an explanatory statement without any investigation. Even after the controversy grew, the coach never approached me to resolve the situation or attempt a conversation."

"I'm Worried Whether I Can Continue My Career, But I Chose to Speak Up"

Lee said, "Currently, I am receiving two weeks of treatment at a hospital for pain and psychological stress. During and after the incident, some communication and instructions became burdensome for the athletes, and there were moments when I felt pressure related to performance or contracts." She continued, "I decided to speak up because I believe that clearly addressing the facts I experienced is the only way to prevent similar incidents from happening again. I am also afraid and anxious that this incident might bring unexpected disadvantages to me. I am worried about whether the team contract issue will be properly resolved and whether I will be able to continue my career as an athlete."

Meanwhile, Coach Kim explained in a phone interview with a media outlet the previous day, "It is common for female marathon runners to faint immediately after crossing the finish line," and "I only held her to prevent her from getting hurt." He added, "Marathons are tough, and especially for female athletes, it is common for them to collapse or faint right after finishing. If you don't hold them, they can fall and get seriously injured." Coach Kim said, "From a viewer's perspective, seeing me hold her and her shaking me off might look like harassment, but in athletics, this kind of situation happens all the time. Every coach holds their athletes when they come in," he emphasized.