All it took was for one domino to fall... for the rest to quickly follow.
Yet more sexual abuse accusations have been raised by a group of female South Korean athletes.
On the defensive after being called out by a lawmaker,... the former vice chair of the national skating union held a press conference on Monday to insist he was in the dark about what was happening.
Yoon Jung-min reports.
In a press conference on Monday, the Young Skaters Association and independent lawmaker Sohn Hye-won accused more incumbent coaches and trainers for allegedly committing sexual abuse on young skaters, including underage athletes, whose identities were withheld.
"The victims are concerned of retaliation against them if their identities are publicly disclosed. Even now, they are in fear. Who is to take responsibility for creating for such fear?"
The skating body also condemned Jeon Myung-gyu, professor at the Korea National Sport University and former vice chair of the Korea Skating Union, for allegedly attempting to cover up a series of allegations raised by victims, including short track Olympic champion Shim Suk-hee.
The victims have called on investigation on Jeon for wielding influence on the skating field and turning a blind eye to the crimes.
The association urged a thorough probe into all abuse cases as well as an intensive audit on the national sports university.
On the same day, Jeon also held a press conference and apologized for the overall situation, but he also managed to leave some questions by reporters unanswered.
"I was not well aware of the sexual abuse on Suk-hee. I also did not know that the perpetrator was her coach. I'm not saying that I'm not responsible for the scandal, but I am sorry, and I apologize to her and the public."
Meanwhile, the Korean Sports and Olympic Committee has reportedly been reviewing whether to abolish the skating union amid the series of abuse scandals.
The Young Skaters Association, however, urged high-level officials at the committee,... including its President Lee Kee-heung, to step down.
Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.
