SEOUL: The sports ministry has announced its intention to request the dismissal of the head of the Badminton Korea Association (BKA) for the second time, citing the association's failure to meet all demands for reform, despite previous warnings.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry stated that the BKA, led by Kim Taek-gyu, has only partially complied with the ministry's demands, implementing changes in 16 of the 25 specified areas since October 31. Six areas remain under development, and the BKA's appeal for reconsideration in three other areas was rejected by the ministry last Thursday.
The ministry's demands followed a comprehensive investigation into the BKA, initiated after An Se-young, a prominent player, criticized the federation following her gold medal win at the Paris Olympics. Key changes implemented include allowing players to accept invitations to international matches if expenses are covered by their clubs, and removing age and experience restrictions for non-national team players in international competitions.
Among the remaining changes, the BKA is working on plans to distribute sponsorship funds to national team players from 2020 and to permit the use of equipment from non-BKA sponsors. The ministry initially called for Kim's dismissal on October 31, citing embezzlement and breach of trust. The BKA, however, contested these findings, particularly regarding the distribution of sponsored goods and the bidding processes for sponsorship contracts.
Despite the BKA's partial compliance, the ministry dismissed their appeals and announced plans to impose fines and demand the return of improperly obtained subsidies starting in January. The ministry is also calling for Kim's dismissal within a month, as he prepares to run for BKA president in January.
"If the BKA does not take corresponding steps to hold people accountable within the timeline, then we will take drastic measures as announced at the end of October," the ministry stated. While acknowledging the BKA's progress in protecting players' rights and interests, the ministry emphasized its commitment to ensuring complete compliance with its directives.