Korean Skating Federation Confirms Invalidity of Disciplinary Actions Against Lee Hae-in and Yu Young… Normalization of Athletes' Careers
The Korean Skating Federation has decided to nullify the disciplinary actions against figure skating athletes Lee Hae-in and Yu Young, who received a suspension due to the 'sexual harassment controversy.'
This confirms the final return to normal athletic careers for both athletes.
Kim Ga-ram, a lawyer from the law firm Seo-on representing both athletes, officially announced on the 13th, "The lawsuit filed by the two athletes against the suspension imposed by the Korean Skating Federation has been finalized through mediation."
Last year, on June 20, the federation imposed a three-year suspension on Lee Hae-in for allegations of sexual harassment and a one-year suspension on Yu Young for allegations of sexual harassment, among other charges.
Consequently, the two athletes filed for a preliminary injunction to suspend the effect of the disciplinary actions at the Seoul Eastern District Court, which ruled that "Lee Hae-in did not commit sexual harassment, and Yu Young did not commit sexual harassment," leading to the approval of the injunction.
"The court ruled that Lee Hae-in did not commit sexual harassment, and Yu Young did not commit sexual harassment."
Federation Respects Court's Ruling, Decides on Athletes' Return Without Additional Disciplinary Actions
Initially, the federation maintained that the disciplinary actions against the two athletes were justified even after the injunction was decided. However, with the recent election of a new president for the federation, discussions were held to resolve the matter reasonably and amicably.
The new executive board of the federation respected the court's ruling and confirmed that the disciplinary actions imposed on June 20 of last year are invalid, and even if further disciplinary actions are taken, they would not use the allegations of Lee Hae-in's sexual harassment and Yu Young's sexual harassment as grounds for such actions. They also agreed to a settlement proposal for disciplinary action of four months or less.
As a result, the two athletes, who have already received more than four months of suspension, can continue their normal athletic careers without any additional suspensions in the future.
With this decision, Lee Hae-in and Yu Young can now prepare for the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo, which will be held in February next year, with a much lighter heart.
Image sources: Figure skater Lee Hae-in / News1, Yu Young / News1
