Yoo Seung-min Responds to Allegations and Promises Strong Measures on Sports Safety

Clearing the Air on Table Tennis Association Controversies

Yoo Seung-min, currently the chairman of the Korean Sports Council, faced tough questioning at the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee hearing. Allegations included the disappearance and illegal sale of sponsored table tennis equipment during the 2020 World Table Tennis Championships and unfair incentive payments. Yoo firmly denied these claims, explaining that the goods in question bore logos preventing resale, and that the items were sold with board approval to cover COVID-19 related costs. He also clarified his non-involvement in the controversial promotion and venue selection issues, highlighting steps taken to avoid conflicts of interest during his tenure as the Table Tennis Association president.

Addressing the Shooting Federation Bullet Leak

A significant incident under Yoo's oversight involved the illegal leak of 30,000 live bullets by a shooting coach connected to a local government sports team. Yoo committed to strong and thorough follow-up measures in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. He acknowledged the severity of the issue and assured transparency and strict action after a joint government audit and investigation were conducted.

Response to Boxing Safety Incident

A tragic accident at the 55th Presidential Cup National Boxing Competition resulted in a middle school athlete falling unconscious during a match and remaining in critical condition. Yoo expressed deep regret over the delayed emergency medical response that missed the golden rescue window, taking responsibility on behalf of the sports council. He promised to investigate and implement preventive measures to ensure athlete safety in future events. The Korean Sports Council also imposed sanctions on the Korean Amateur Boxing Association for systemic negligence, emphasizing a commitment to reform and safety improvements.

Community Reactions and Cultural Context

The sports community and public expressed mixed reactions—ranging from support for Yoo's transparent stance to criticism over earlier negligence allegations. Many fans appreciate his ongoing efforts to improve sports governance and safety in Korea, especially amid heightened scrutiny of sports organizations. The controversies highlight the complex intersection of sports administration, ethics, and athlete welfare in Korea’s evolving sports landscape.