Be sure not to confuse “gentle hits” with punches.
It turns out national Taekwondo coach Choi Young Seok did deny an athlete’s assault accusation to Korean media, which was translated domestically last night, saying it was just a gentle slap.
Coach Choi spoke to the Korean news agency Yonhap on Monday after he was accused by Roongrawee Kurasa, 23, of punching her in the face after the athlete lost in the Chuncheon Korea Open on Friday.
“I punished her by hitting her gently in the face and stomach,” Coach Choi said, according to the translation by Morning News. “I did not punch her as alleged.”
“It was the first day of the competition, and I could not allow one athlete’s lack of discipline to affect the entire team,” he added, “Her opponent waited for her at the court, but Roongrawee didn’t even realize the competition had started. She was almost disqualified. Therefore, I punished her in front of other athletes, but I did not punch her.”
Training Thailand’s Taekwondo national team since 2002, Coach Choi said he understands Thai culture isn’t familiar with strict disciplining.
“I’ve been coaching Thai athletes for a long time, and I’m aware that Thais are not used to this kind of punishment, and she is a woman. I could not possibly punch her,” He said.
Coach Choi has refused to return to Thailand after the accusation and reportedly moved his family back to South Korea.
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Photo: Coach Choi FC
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