“I apologize to the public as a person in authority for the disappointing incident at the Winter Olympics, which are enjoyed by people all around the world. The disappointment was even bigger as it happened in team pursuit competition where teamwork is most crucial,” Kim said. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Mar. 6 (Korea Bizwire) — The Blue House has said it will launch an investigation into the bullying scandal surrounding the disgraced women’s speed skating team amid growing calls for action.
Speaking on the presidential office’s official Facebook show, presidential secretary Kim Hon-soo said a government investigation would be launched in response to the controversy over the lack of teamwork among the female skaters who competed in the women’s team pursuit, and blamed a teammate for losing, prompting speculations of bullying.
“I apologize to the public as a person in authority for the disappointing incident at the Winter Olympics, which are enjoyed by people all around the world. The disappointment was even bigger as it happened in team pursuit competition where teamwork is most crucial,” Kim said.
The investigation will also look into the rumors of corruption surrounding the Korea Skating Union.
Do Jong-hwan, the minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has already urged the Korea Skating Union to set an example and hinted at setting up a committee dedicated to human rights and fairness to root out corruption in the sports sector.
Following Do’s comments, Kim assured the public that the government would look at the issues surrounding the national team selection process and management.
“In the past, the number of medals and rankings used to matter the most. However, as the public now cares more about fairness, the government will seek ways to pressure sports organizations to improve management,” Kim said.
A petition filed on the official website of the Blue House calling for an investigation into the bullying scandal has collected over 610,000 signatures.
M.H.Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
