Ahn Se-young did not attend the Paris Olympics medalist award ceremony hosted by the Korea Badminton Association.
On the afternoon of the 30th of last month, the Korea Badminton Association held the 2024 Paris Olympics Awards Ceremony at the Arina Hotel in Miryang, Gyeongnam. On this day, women’s singles gold medalist Ahn Se-young (Samsung Life Insurance) received a prize of 100 million won, and mixed doubles silver medalists Kim Won-ho (Samsung Life Insurance) and Jeong Na-eun (Hwasun County Office) each received 50 million won.
Ahn Se-young was unable to attend the event due to injury treatment and personal schedule. Samsung Life Insurance coach Gil Young-ah, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics badminton mixed doubles gold medalist, received the award on his behalf. Director Gil’s son, Kim Won-ho, was also unable to attend due to military training, and Samsung Life Insurance presented the award on his behalf. The only Paris Olympics medalist who attended the award ceremony was Jeong Na-eun.
Ahn Se-young has been in conflict with the Badminton Association over injury management, training methods, and decision-making systems. After the Paris Olympics, he remained silent after leaving strong criticism of the association. Then, after winning the 2024 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Super 750 China Masters on the 26th of last month, he said, “I found my goal as a player and realized what I should do as a player.”
Coach Kim Hak-gyun, who sensed an uncomfortable atmosphere with Ahn Se-young, attended the award ceremony with the national team players. Coach Kim and eight members of the coaching staff also received commemorative plaques. In an interview with reporters, Director Kim said, “We have to wait for various situations regarding issues related to Ahn Se-young. It takes time, and we also have to approach.” He added, “This is a situation where we need to work a little more proactively.”
Association President Kim Taek-gyu, who presented the award, said in his congratulatory speech, “I hope badminton will become a sport loved by everyone. The Association will not spare any support to help players demonstrate their best skills. We will grow together by supporting the players’ dreams and passion.” He said. Chairman Kim did not specifically mention Ahn Se-young’s absence.
The Badminton Association attempted to resolve the conflict between administration and operation through this award ceremony, but was unable to fully achieve its goal due to Ahn Se-young’s absence. The association screened a video of Ahn Se-young’s Olympic performance before the awards ceremony. Attendees watched and applauded the moment Ahn Se-young won the gold medal.
Meanwhile, Chairman Kim Taek-gyu, who organized this event, was forcibly investigated by the police on the 28th of last month. The police are investigating allegations that the Badminton Association unfairly distributed sponsorship items such as shuttlecocks in violation of the Subsidy Act.
