Source:REUTERS/Ann Wang
[Saba Sports News] Several former employees of the Korean Badminton Association have accused the association’s president, Kim Taek-gyu, of workplace violence, including abusive behavior and verbal insults. Former employee A stated that President Kim managed the association with himself at the center, and it was common for him to insult and shout at others if they did not obey him. Working in such a oppressive atmosphere, it was difficult to refuse in the association, which was very unpleasant. Former employee B mentioned that on weekends and days off, President Kim would use subordinates as personal assistants and ask them to handle his business at his residence and company in Chungnam Nonsan 1-2 times a week. Former employee C, who once served as President Kim’s personal driver on weekends, mentioned driving 1000 kilometers in a day. Former employee D stated that President Kim, who came from an “amateur” background, did not initially have much involvement in the professional sports field of the association and gradually became involved at the beginning of the Paris Olympics cycle. In order to grasp the overall situation, he employed a high-pressure policy, which created a tense atmosphere within the association. As of now, neither President Kim nor the Korean Badminton Association has responded to the allegations from former employees. Records show that Kim Taek-gyu became the 31st President of the Korean Badminton Association in 2021, and his term will continue until 2025.