[Exclusive] 'Hakpok' Controversy Lee Jaeyoung and Lee Dayoung Sisters Receive 'Indefinite Suspension' Disciplinary Action

On July 29 last year, Lee Da-young is being interviewed by reporters at the Heungkuk Life Training Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Jumi Lee] The twin sisters Lee Jae-young and Lee Da-young of professional volleyball team Heungkuk Life, who were revealed to have committed school violence during their school days, will be stepping away from the court for the time being.

Heungkuk Life announced today (the 15th) that the two players have been indefinitely suspended from participating in games. The club stated, "School violence is something that must never happen and cannot be tolerated for any reason," adding, "Given the seriousness of the matter, we have decided to impose an indefinite suspension on the players involved."

They continued, "During their period of self-reflection, the two players must deeply repent and make every effort to meet the victims in person to ask for forgiveness, so that the victims’ wounds can be healed even a little," and promised, "The club will take this incident as a mirror and review whether there are any inhumane cases in the operation of the volleyball team."

Earlier, on the dawn of the 10th, a post titled "Current Volleyball Players’ School Violence Victims" was uploaded on an internet community, raising allegations of school violence against Lee Jae-young and Lee Da-young.

The post detailed about 20 specific cases of school violence, including the accused player threatening victims with a weapon and insulting their parents.

The author of the post revealed, "(The perpetrator told the victim) not to come near, saying they were dirty and smelly, constantly cursed at them whenever displeased, and even insulted their parents," and "The perpetrator left the victim outside the locker room, telling them not to enter, then brought other children inside and boldly showed them a sketchbook filled with insults against the victim and their family."

Although the real names of the perpetrators were not mentioned in the post, speculation arose that the players might be Lee Jae-young and Lee Da-young based on social media content and their elementary and middle school backgrounds. Eventually, the two players admitted to the violence and apologized on the 10th.

The following is the full statement from Heungkuk Life:

This is a statement from the Heungkuk Life volleyball team.

On the 10th, our players Lee Jae-young and Lee Da-young admitted and apologized for school violence that occurred during their middle school years. The victims bravely came forward to reveal the facts. We fully understand and empathize with the wounds and pain they have endured.

We sincerely apologize to all volleyball fans who have been disappointed by this incident and feel a deep sense of responsibility. School violence must never happen and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.

The two players have acknowledged their wrongdoing and are deeply reflecting on their actions. The club also apologizes once again to the victims who suffered because of the players’ misconduct.

Given the gravity of the situation, the club has decided to impose an indefinite suspension on the players involved.

During their period of self-reflection, the two players must deeply repent and make every effort to meet the victims in person to ask for forgiveness, so that the victims’ wounds can be healed even a little.

The club will take this incident as a mirror to review whether there are any inhumane cases in the operation of the volleyball team and will support all players to grow as mature members of society.

We once again bow our heads and sincerely apologize to the victims who have been hurt by this incident and to all those who love volleyball.

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