“Ahn Se-young, she’s a world-class star so she didn’t even say hello”… The president of the Badminton Association, who shot the assassin, is criticized by the National Assembly

Past statement: “I don’t say hello to you because you’re a world-class star.”
Claimed, “I heard they won’t say hello at this competition either.”
“We will carefully consider the request to step down.”

Kim Taek-gyu, president of the Korea Badminton Association, was criticized during the government inspection for sniping Ahn Se-young, the gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, saying, “He doesn’t say hello.”

Chairman Kim attended the National Assembly audit of the Korea Sports Council and other organizations by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee held at the National Assembly on the 22nd as a witness. On this day, he was criticized for his past remarks, saying, “Perhaps because Ahn Se-young is a world-class star, he does not say hello to the athlete village head or the president of the association.” When Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Moon-seok said, “Ahn Se-young says she never intentionally didn’t say hello,” Chairman Kim responded, “Then I guess I’m the only one who feels that way.”

In response, Rep. Yang raised his voice and asked, “Are you kidding?” and Chairman Kim said, “I received a call that I didn’t say hello to my seniors or coaches even when I went to the Denmark competition this time.” When Rep. Yang asked, “Did you feel good to hear that the president of the association, who is supposed to help players achieve good results, personally sniped and ostracized a star and then said he was doing well?” Chairman Kim responded, “Why did I ostracize him?” I stood.

Afterwards, the argument continued during questioning by Kim Yun-deok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea. When Rep. Kim said, “Isn’t walking around without saying hello ‘cheap’? Doesn’t that mean there’s a personality problem?” Chairman Kim responded, “When did I say I was rude?” and “I don’t know what you’re asking.” In response, Rep. Kim said, “Chairman, it looks like you have a personality problem,” and “Please say hello and move on,” to which Chairman Kim responded, “Yes, I understand.” Rep. Kim repeated “I understand” and imitated his tone, causing laughter in the room.

When Kang Yu-jeong, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, “Please apologize because you have damaged Ahn Se-young’s image,” Chairman Kim responded, “I will apologize.” Min Hyeong-bae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, demanded again, saying, “What I did earlier was not an apology,” and Chairman Kim said, “I apologize for causing concern to the assemblyman and the public with my inconsiderate words and actions.” When lawmakers pointed out that he should apologize to Ahn Se-young, he added, “I also apologize to Ahn Se-young.” Lastly, Rep. Min said, “I don’t think you are suitable to be the head of a public organization,” and asked, “There are many calls for you to step down, so what will you do?” Chairman Kim said, “We will carefully consider it.”

Intern reporter Jeong Ye-won [email protected]