Will Violence and Corruption in Sports Be Eradicated?... The Late Choi Sook-hyun Act Passes the Plenary Session

Strengthening Functions and Authority of the Sports Ethics Center
Eliminating Blind Spots of Human Rights Violations in Sports
Removing the Term 'National Prestige' Due to Side Effects of Performance-First Mentality

On the 4th, the National Assembly plenary session passed the amendment to the National Sports Promotion Act (the late Choi Sook-hyun Act) with 270 votes in favor and 4 abstentions out of 274 members present. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The investigative authority of the Sports Ethics Center, a dedicated organization for eradicating human rights violations and sports corruption in the sports community, will be significantly strengthened. A standard contract will be prepared for workplace sports teams (corporate teams) players, and video information processing devices (CCTV) will be installed in vulnerable areas. Legal grounds will also be established to resolve human rights violations in sports, such as the registration of personnel responsible for athlete management. The term 'Gukwiseon-yang' (national prestige), which encourages performance-oriented sports culture, will also be removed.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on the 4th that the amendment to the 'National Sports Promotion Act' containing these provisions has passed the plenary session of the National Assembly. The amendment is an integrated and adjusted version of 12 bills proposed following the death of the late athlete Choi Sook-hyun, commonly referred to as the 'Late Choi Sook-hyun Act.' It is scheduled to be enforced six months after promulgation.

◆ Strengthening the Authority of the Sports Ethics Center= The Sports Ethics Center has been granted the authority to specifically regulate investigation methods such as summoning attendance, hearing statements, requesting submission of materials, on-site investigations, or expert evaluations. Parties under investigation and related persons are obligated to cooperate sincerely. Additionally, the Center can conduct investigations ex officio into human rights violations and sports corruption in the sports community and, if necessary, request cooperation from investigative agencies to enhance investigation efficiency.

If athletes, sports coaches, or executives of sports organizations refuse to cooperate without justifiable reasons or submit false materials during investigations, the Center may request the head of the institution or organization to which the individual belongs to take corrective actions or discipline the responsible person through the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. If the Minister recognizes the need for correction or discipline, the relevant organization must comply unless there is a justifiable reason. Furthermore, if the Minister requests disciplinary action against a responsible person in a sports organization based on the Center's investigation results, the organization must comply unless there is a justifiable reason.

When the Center receives reports of (sexual) violence by sports coaches against athletes, it must immediately take necessary measures such as emergency protection for the victim. Acts that disadvantage the reporter or obstruct or coerce the cancellation of reports or testimonies are prohibited. Violations may result in the Center requesting corrective actions or disciplinary measures through the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

After the investigation begins, if human rights violations continue, the Center's head may recommend to the accused, their affiliated institution, or others to separate the physical space between the reporter and the accused, suspend or remove the accused from their position, or prohibit contact with the accused against the reporter's will. A legal basis has also been established for the Center to operate temporary protection facilities for urgent victims.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism must ensure and promote policies that allow the Center to independently conduct investigations and other tasks. To effectively perform the Center's enhanced authority and functions, the Center's head may request the dispatch or support of public officials from related administrative agencies or executives from related organizations with the Minister's approval when necessary.

◆ Cultural and Institutional Improvement Measures to Prevent Human Rights Violations in Sports= This amendment removes the term 'Gukwiseon-yang' (national prestige) from the purpose of the National Sports Promotion Act. Instead, it newly defines 'protecting the human rights of athletes with the spirit of fair sports' and 'realizing a healthy community by enhancing the happiness and pride of the people.'

A standard contract will be prepared for workplace sports teams (corporate teams) players, and the heads of institutions or organizations to which these teams belong and the players must conclude contracts including mandatory items regarding the rights and obligations of contracting parties as specified in the standard contract. Local government heads must report the contract status annually to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, who may request corrections if the contracts are deemed unfair.

The suspension period for sports coaches' qualifications will be strengthened to a maximum of five years. Sports organizations are prohibited from refusing to submit disciplinary information to the disciplinary information system on the grounds of personal information protection. Failure to submit disciplinary information may result in a fine of up to 10 million KRW.

If a team doctor or other personnel responsible for athlete management are separately appointed, they must be registered with the relevant sports federation or the Korea Sports Council branch. A legal basis has also been established to install CCTV or similar devices at vulnerable points where human rights violations may occur. The Center will operate human rights monitors who can continuously inspect investigation and action situations regarding human rights violations in the sports field.

A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official said, "The amendment to the National Sports Promotion Act is the result of the public's strong desire for innovation in the sports community triggered by the tragic incident of the late athlete Choi Sook-hyun. We will do our best to eradicate human rights violations and sports corruption in sports and ensure that sports become a true source of happiness for both athletes and the public."

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