Korea Sports Council Secretary General Kim Nami Resigns After Remarks to Family of Comatose Athlete

Kim Nami, secretary general of the Korea Sports Council, resigned after drawing criticism for inappropriate remarks to the family of an athlete who collapsed during a match and remains unconscious. [Photo=Korea Sports Council]

Kim Nami, secretary general of the Korea Sports Council, has resigned after sparking controversy over remarks she made to the family of a student athlete who collapsed during a match and remains unconscious.

The council said May 4 that Kim had offered to step down and take responsibility for the matter raised recently. Her resignation came three days after she was suspended from her duties on May 1.

In a statement released through the council, Kim said, “I deeply apologize for causing concern to the public and to members of the sports community,” adding, “As a public official, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility and will step down from my position.”

Kim had faced public backlash over comments made to the family of a middle school boxer identified only as A. The student collapsed during a bout at the President’s Cup National City and Provincial Boxing Tournament in Seogwipo, Jeju, in September last year and has not regained consciousness for eight months.

According to Mokpo MBC, Kim told the family about the boy’s condition, saying, “The child had no chance from the beginning. He is already brain-dead,” and added, “I really don’t want to compare, but in a marathon accident one person died and the family donated organs,” prompting criticism.

She was also reported to have said she felt “very offended” when the parents tried to record their conversation in case of an emergency, adding that it made her think they were trying to “make money” from what happened to their son.

The council said it recognized the seriousness of the case and would recheck its systems so athlete protection functions operate without gaps. It also pledged to strengthen public-service ethics and tighten internal discipline to restore public trust.

Kim, a former national alpine ski team member, has held posts including vice president of the International Biathlon Union and secretary general of the Sports Talent Development Foundation. She was appointed in March last year as the first woman to serve as secretary general in the council’s 105-year history, but is leaving after about 14 months amid the controversy.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Kang Sang Heon