'Matgaps Violence' Choi Cheol-won Elected as Ice Hockey Association President... Controversy Expected

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Choi Cheol-won, CEO of Might & Main (M&M), who caused controversy over the so-called 'bat payment assault' incident, has been elected as the next president of the Korea Ice Hockey Association, sparking expected controversy.

On the 17th, Choi was elected president of the Korea Ice Hockey Association at the election held at the Olympic Parktel in Seoul, defeating Jeon Young-deok, president of Kyung Hee University College of Physical Education Alumni Association, by 62 to 20. Choi received overwhelming support by emphasizing major pledges such as expanding ice hockey-specific facilities, operating one company-one middle school club teams and leagues, and founding corporate teams.

In 2010, Choi caused social outrage after calling a truck driver who protested in front of SK headquarters for not guaranteeing employment succession into his company office and assaulting him with a baseball bat, then handing over 20 million won as a 'bat payment.' Choi, who faced public backlash for the 'bat payment assault,' was sentenced to six months in prison in the first trial but avoided imprisonment with a suspended sentence in the second trial. This incident was also used as material for the movie 'Veteran.' However, an association official explained, "Regarding Choi's candidate registration, after consulting four law firms, we received a legal interpretation that there is no ground to block the registration."

Although Choi was elected, he must receive approval from the higher organization, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, to assume the presidency. The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee stated a general position, saying, "If a request for approval is received, we will review it from various angles."

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