Tearful An Se-young appeals for fan support while staying silent on BKA probe

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Tearful An Se-young appeals for fan support while staying silent on BKA probe

Published: 10 Oct. 2024, 12:47 Updated: 10 Oct. 2024, 16:56

PAIK JI-HWAN
paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr

Badminton player An Se-young speaks to reporters at the 2024 Korean National Sports Festival in Miryang, South Gyeongsang on Wednesday. [YONHAP]

Badminton star An Se-young called for fans’ support Wednesday as she broke into tears at the 2024 Korean National Sports Festival, but declined to comment on the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's ongoing probe into the Badminton Korea Association (BKA). She had previously criticized the BKA for perceived irregularities in its rules that control athletes and limit where and for whom they can compete.

Speaking to reporters at the Korean National Sports Festival in Miryang, South Gyeongsang — her first tournament since the Olympics — she said, "I know fans have been waiting for a long time, and I also want to thank those who have loved my badminton. I’ve been so upset, but I am happy that I was able to return. I will show a good performance from now on, so I ask for your support."

An, however, did not comment on the ministry’s ongoing investigation into the BKA for alleged irregularities she raised after winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics in August. She had expressed disappointment over the BKA’s inadequate care for her injury and its restrictive rules that hinder athletes from competing internationally.

Following her remarks, the ministry launched an investigation and revealed interim findings during a briefing on Sept. 10. It confirmed that the BKA has a rule stipulating that only players who have competed for the national team for five years and have reached the required age — 28 for men and 27 for women — are eligible to play in international tournaments organized by the Badminton World Federation, badminton's global governing body.

The ministry stated during the briefing that it would recommend the BKA remove this policy, as it prevents many Korean badminton players from competing on the international stage.

In addition to the rule An criticized, the ministry also uncovered that players were unaware they were entitled to receive prize money from association sponsors for their achievements at international tournaments. It appeared that the association was keeping all of the prize money.

The BKA reportedly amended its own rules in June 2021, removing a policy that required the association to allocate 20 percent of funds to national team players, according to the ministry.

The BKA’s allegedly unfair regulations extend beyond this. The current BKA rule requires national team players to use uniforms and equipment designated by the association during training or international competitions.

Players have no right to choose their shoes or rackets, which can significantly affect their performance. Badminton and boxing are reportedly the only sports included in the Olympics or Asian Games with such a rule.

BKA President Kim Taek-kyu appeared before the National Assembly’s sports committee on Sept. 24 and promised to revise this rule after seeing photos of An’s feet, which had developed blisters from wearing the shoes mandated by the BKA.

Badminton Korea Association President Kim Taek-kyu speaks during a hearing at the National Assembly’s sports committee in western Seoul on Sept. 24. [NEWS1]

The ministry said on Sept. 10 that it would conclude the ongoing investigation and release final results by the end of September, but it has yet to do so as of Thursday.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]