Korean Figure Skater Accused of Sexually Harassing A Minor Faces Criticism
Previously, Lee Hae In, a former national figure skating women’s singles representative, was suspended for three years on charges of drinking alcohol and sexually harassing a male junior during an overseas training camp.
Most recently, she posted a rebuttal on her Instagram regarding the case.
“Hello, this is Lee Hae In. I am genuinely sorry. I’m at a loss for words about what to say to the fans who have been disappointed in me. As a national athlete, I should have shown a better image to the junior players and worked even harder for the sake of other players who weren’t able to attend. Due to this, I have made a mistake.
Thinking back even now, I should have never drank alcohol, and I am still reflecting on my actions. Even after the incident, I am regretting my mistake every day.
But the part in the articles about sexually harassing a junior is not true.
He was my boyfriend from high school last year, and because my parents opposed our relationship, we broke up and got back together at the training camp.
We still had feelings for each other, so we decided to get back together, but decided to keep it secret so that my parent’s wouldn’t find out.
While being investigated by the sports union, I couldn’t say that I was in a relationship with him, but after seeing stories about me sexually harassing a minor, my world fell apart.
Although I felt that what I did were actions that could be done between lovers, I never thought this could become a big misunderstanding, even though we couldn’t openly share that we were in a relationship.
I am truly sorry for showing a bad image, as I have received so much anticipation and love from a young age.
No matter what disciplinary action is taken by the Korea Sports Council, I will deeply reflect on my actions and never make a mistake like this in the future.”
— Lee Hae In
Her attorney added, “We have applied for reconsideration of disciplinary action to the Korea Sports Council’s committee. We will provide an explanation regarding the sexual harassment.”
Korean netizens hoped that she would receive proper punishment for her actions.
- “The boy looked like a total kid.”
- “The boy looked like a baby…hope she gets a wake up call from this.”
- “Is training camp some picnic? Why are you driving, meeting guys, and doing bad things, do you think you are there to play?
- “What’s the point of getting older…if you are an adult you need to keep your boundaries for minors. I guess her mental age hasn’t grown.”
- “You need to keep boundaries for minors if you are an adult.”
- “What’s wrong with her…”
- “It could be unfair about the sexual harassment part, but if she’s an adult, she shouldn’t meet a minor, even if she first met him when she was a minor too. It’s weird.”
Read more about the case below.
South Korean National Team Figure Skating Athletes Suspended For Sexual Harassment Within The Team
Share This Post
