Kim Nami Resigns: What Led to the Controversial Comments on Student Athlete’s Condition?

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[mdtoday = Minseok Choi, Reporter] Secretary General Kim Nami of the Korea Sports Council, who provoked public outrage by making inappropriate remarks to the family of a middle school athlete left unconscious after an accident during a competition, has resigned.

On May 4, the Korea Sports Council officially announced that Kim had submitted her resignation and would accept responsibility for the recent controversy.

Through the council, Kim issued an apology, saying, “I deeply apologize for causing concern to the public and to members of the sports community over this matter.” She added that, as a public official, she feels a heavy responsibility and will step down from her position. Kim was appointed in March last year and was notable as the first woman to serve as secretary general in the council’s 105-year history.

The controversy began last September when recordings of Kim’s remarks to the family of a middle school athlete identified as A — who collapsed after being struck during a bout at the President’s Cup national city-and-province boxing tournament and has not regained consciousness — were made public. Kim initially promised A’s parents, “I will take 100% responsibility,” but later changed her stance, drawing criticism.

Recordings released to the media include Kim saying about A’s condition, “The child had no chance from the start. He’s already brain-dead.” She also made an inappropriate comparison, remarking that in a marathon accident a fatality led the family to donate organs. The recordings show she said she felt “very upset,” suggesting the parents were trying to take advantage of their son’s situation by attempting to record the conversation.

As the controversy spread, Korea Sports Council President Yoo Seung-min, who was on an overseas trip, returned immediately and on the 1st suspended Kim from her duties and launched disciplinary proceedings. Kim announced her resignation three days after her suspension. Deputy Secretary General Shin Dong-gwang is currently acting as secretary general. A permanent successor will be appointed after the council president nominates a candidate and the board and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism grant approval.

The council said it recognizes the seriousness of the matter and will conduct a comprehensive review of its athlete protection systems. A council official emphasized, “We will concentrate all efforts on restoring public trust by strengthening public service ethics and rigorously enforcing organizational discipline.”

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