"Call for Thorough Investigation into the Abuse of Late Athlete Choi Sook-hyun" Appears in Blue House National Petition

Acquaintances of the Late Athlete Choi Sook-hyun Appeal in National Petition Posts

Photo by Cheongwon University National Petition Board Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Amid public outrage over the tragic death of the late Choi Sook-hyun, a former national triathlon (ironman) athlete who suffered from severe abuse, numerous public petitions demanding a thorough investigation and punishment of the perpetrators related to Choi have been posted.

On the 1st, petitions titled "Please clear the injustice against the promising triathlon athlete" and "Please resolve the injustice of the late Choi Sook-hyun who died under oppression" were posted on the Blue House National Petition Board. As of 11 a.m. on the 2nd, they had received approximately 19,000 and 5,000 supporters respectively.

Both petitions are known to have been written by acquaintances of Choi.

The petitioner stated, "On the 26th of last month, a young athlete of only twenty-three years old became a star in the sky before she could realize her dreams. However, we still have work to do. We must hold 'those people' accountable, as mentioned in the last message she sent to her mother."

They continued, "Choi loved sports. Blood, sweat, and effort never betrayed her, and she admired the spirit of fair competition in sports. However, the coach who was supposed to guide her sincerely and properly, the seniors who were to grow and lead her, and the team doctor responsible for the health and safety of the athletes failed in their duties," they pointed out.

They added, "She was hit in the face with slippers and beaten so severely that her ribs cracked, and even subjected to food torture. When she could no longer endure it and filed complaints and accusations, those who apologized and begged for forgiveness suddenly denied everything and feigned ignorance once the police investigation began," they claimed.

In conclusion, they urged, "Choi endured each day in such pain and fear until she had no choice but to make an extreme decision. We demand strict punishment for those responsible who drove her to death."

Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Board Capture

Another petitioner stated, "During her time at Gyeongju City Hall, she had to endure unspeakable physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, power harassment, and even sexual harassment. These acts of violence were not isolated incidents but continuous and repetitive. Choi even suffered from severe depression," they revealed.

They added, "Today, as Choi collapsed under oppression and violence, we gather courage to stand before the public and government officials. Please help ensure a thorough investigation, strict punishment of the perpetrators, and uncovering of the truth," they appealed.

Choi sent a message to her acquaintances and mother on the 26th of last month asking to "reveal the sins of those people" before ending her own life at her lodging in Busan.

Choi had filed complaints with the Korea Sports Council and police regarding the abuse but was confirmed to have suffered from extreme stress.

Meanwhile, Lee Yong, a member of the Future United Party and former coach of the national bobsleigh and skeleton team at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, held a press conference on the 1st, urging "a thorough investigation and strict punishment of the perpetrators. Those who verbally and physically abused the deceased must be held accountable."

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This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.