Lee Hae-in’s Fans Protest Against 3-Year Suspension

A truck appeared in front of the National Assembly building in Yeouido, as fans of figure skater Lee Hae-in took part in a public campaign to⁤ express their sympathy for her unfair situation.

Lee Hae-in was‍ effectively⁢ sentenced to retirement due to a three-year suspension, which her fans claim was a result of poor investigations by ​the skating federation and negligence by the sports council.

The fans demanded ⁢a full investigation by the Ministry ⁣of‌ Culture, Sports and Tourism, claiming that ‍19-year-old ‍Lee Hae-in was sexually harassed.

In just ​two days, 1,000 ‌people have signed‌ statements expressing sympathy for Lee Hae-in’s situation.

The Incident

Lee Hae-in received a three-year ban for allegedly sexually harassing ‌junior player A during a training camp in Italy last ‍May.

However,​ Lee Hae-in’s appeal that it was not a forced molestation but‌ an expression of affection between secret lovers was not accepted.

Lee Hae-in has​ decided ⁣to argue right and⁣ wrong in court, ‌and has applied​ for a temporary injunction‌ to suspend the disciplinary action.

Player A’s Statement

Player A, who was identified⁢ as a victim, later revealed that he had consistently said during the investigation that he‌ hoped Lee Hae-in would receive leniency.

Although the disciplinary process in ⁤the sport has ended, the legal battle has only just begun, and fans feel ​that the punishment is harsh.

Public Reaction

The mood has changed since last June, just after disciplinary action​ was taken by the ice skating federation, when player A⁢ drew a line with comments such ‌as ‘I was very embarrassed and surprised’ ‍and ‘I⁣ started psychiatric⁣ treatment’.

The fallout from the Lee Hae-in incident is expected to continue for now, as fans feel that the punishment ⁤is harsh.

This is Eunji Jo⁢ from YTN.

Photographer: Kwak Yong-joo

Video editing: Lee Ga-eun

Subtitle News: Lee Do-hyung