Men’s professional volleyball OK Financial Group left Shim Gyeong-seop (left) and Song Myung-geun. Provided by the Korean Volleyball Federation
Professional volleyball in the 2020-2021 season, which is to be heated by a fierce ranking fight, is sinking after encountering the reef of school violence. On the 10th, the school violence problem of the twin sisters of Lee Jae-young and Da-young of the women’s division, Heungkuk Life Insurance, arose, and this time, left Song Myung-geun (28) and Shim Gyeong-seop (30) of OK Financial Group in the male division were also revealed as perpetrators of school violence. The Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) is also in trouble over the level of disciplinary action among fans amid growing controversy over volleyball school violence.
On the 13th, when the controversy over the sisters Lee Jae-young and Da-young did not subside, a portal site posted an article by Mr. A that was the victim of school violence from two players, and a stir was raised. Mr. A said, “The perpetrators were subjected to testicular suture surgery at a critical spot.” He also described the situation in which the high school director tried to overcome the case, and the violence of his senior, which was routine.
OK Financial Group immediately started an investigation and said, “Song Myung-geun and Shim Gyeong-seop were involved in school violence. We apologize for disappointing all of our fans.” Through the club, the two players said, “When I was in school, I caused an irreparable wound to the victim without being aware of the severity of the violence. I apologize once again to the victims.”
The club said, “The perpetrator apologized to Mr. A by text message,” but Mr. A said, “I hope they know that it wasn’t just because they wanted to bully them.” “We can’t admit to nonsense statements and apologies. I can’t take it and I feel uncomfortable.
Fans’ gaze on professional volleyball is cold as the problem of players’ school violence rises one after another. KOVO, in an emergency, decided to find a way to eradicate school violence, such as a campaign, in consultation with the Korean Volleyball Association and the association’s elementary, middle, high, and university alliances, but there are voices among fans that strong disciplinary action against the players is needed. . In the case of professional baseball, Ahn Woo-jin (Kee-woom), who was involved in school violence, was severely punished for being suspended for 50 games, and Kim Yoo-seong, who was first nominated for NC, was withdrawn, resulting in severe punishment, such as being frustrated with pros.
Both Heungkuk Life Insurance and OK Financial Group’s clubs are saying that they are seriously aware of the situation, but they have deep concerns about the level of disciplinary action. The decision is difficult because the club must consider both discipline, prevention of recurrence and protection of players. First of all, there is a high possibility of disposition of’suspension of remaining matches’ this season, but it is possible to point out the effectiveness of disciplinary action from outside. From the standpoint of KOVO, there is no precedent in the event, and the punishment criteria are unclear. Heungkuk Life Insurance has a home game ahead on the 16th and OK Financial Group on the 18th, so if it is too late to deal with it, there is a great concern that other players on the team will be criticized.
Reporter Song Yong-jun
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