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| Kim Taek-gyu, president of the Korea Badminton association, is answering questions from lawmakers at the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee’s inquiry on pending issues regarding the Korea Football Association, etc., held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on September 24 last year. Photo = Newsis |
‘It’s embarrassing to see a player.’
This is a tongue-in-cheek comment about the Korea Badminton Association.While badminton queen Ahn Se-young (Samsung Life Insurance) is showing her fighting spirit and winning in international competitions, the Korea Badminton Association, which is supposed to help the player, is showing its incompetence to the point where it is indeed unable to properly organize a coaching staff including a manager, as well as hold a presidential election.
According to the Badminton Association on the 21st, the 32nd Badminton Association President election will be held at the Sunshine Hotel in Daejeon on the 23rd. The presidential election has already been postponed once, but it is doubtful whether it will be held properly on this day.
The presidential election was originally scheduled to be held on the 16th, but poor administration by the Election Commission hindered it. It was confirmed that three out of seven election committee members were members of political parties. This is against the association’s regulations. The National Election Commission previously disqualified Kim Taek-gyu, the current head of the Badminton Association, who had announced his intention to run for a second term, due to lack of qualifications.Chairman Kim submitted a request to the court for a temporary injunction to invalidate candidate registration, and the court upheld the request.
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| Olympic gold medalist Kim Dong-moon, who is running for the Badminton Association president election, is speaking at a press conference held at the Korea Sports Council in Songpa-gu, Seoul on the 20th. Photo = Newsis |
The presidential election became a four-way race, with Choi Seung-tak, former president of the Daegu Badminton Association, Jeon Gyeong-hoon, president of the Korea business Badminton Federation, and Kim Dong-moon, a professor at Wonkwang University’s Department of Sports Science, joining the new chairman Kim. Tho, Chairman Kim claimed that there was not enough time for the election campaign, and the National Election Commission postponed the election date to the 23rd.
The problem also occurred here.The National Election Commission confirmed the election date on the 17th, but announced it on the website only on the 19th.The electoral college was notified one day later, on the 20th. An official from the Badminton association admitted, “The proclamation was delayed because sufficient review was needed because the election should not be disrupted again,” but explained, “We also sought legal advice and inquired with the Korea Sports Council.”
Professor Kim Dong-moon, who ran in this election, raised the issue rnrn
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View larger image
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| Kim Taek-gyu, president of the Korea Badminton Association, is answering questions from lawmakers at the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee’s inquiry on pending issues regarding the Korea Football Association, etc., held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on September 24 last year. Photo = Newsis |
‘It’s embarrassing to see a player.’
This is a tongue-in-cheek comment about the Korea Badminton Association. While badminton queen Ahn Se-young (Samsung Life Insurance) is showing her fighting spirit and winning in international competitions, the Korea Badminton Association, which is supposed to help the player, is showing its incompetence to the point where it is indeed unable to properly organize a coaching staff including a manager, as well as hold a presidential election.
According to the Badminton Association on the 21st, the 32nd Badminton Association President election will be held at the Sunshine Hotel in Daejeon on the 23rd. The presidential election has already been postponed once, but it is doubtful whether it will be held properly on this day.
The presidential election was originally scheduled to be held on the 16th, but poor administration by the Election Commission hindered it. It was confirmed that three out of seven election committee members were members of political parties. This is against the association’s regulations. The National Election Commission previously disqualified Kim Taek-gyu, the current head of the Badminton Association, who had announced his intention to run for a second term, due to lack of qualifications.Chairman kim submitted a request to the court for a temporary injunction to invalidate candidate registration, and the court upheld the request.
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View larger image |
| Olympic gold medalist Kim Dong-moon, who is running for the Badminton Association president election, is speaking at a press conference held at the Korea Sports Council in Songpa-gu, Seoul on the 20th. Photo = Newsis |
The presidential election became a four-way race, with Choi seung-tak, former president of the Daegu Badminton Association, Jeon Gyeong-hoon, president of the Korea Business badminton Federation, and Kim Dong-moon, a professor at Wonkwang University’s Department of Sports Science, joining the new chairman Kim. However, Chairman Kim claimed that there was not enough time for the election campaign, and the National Election Commission postponed the election date to the 23rd.
The problem also occurred here. The National Election Commission confirmed the election date on the 17th, but announced it on the website only on the 19th. The electoral college was notified one day later, on the 20th. an official from the Badminton Association admitted, “The announcement was delayed because sufficient review was needed because the election should not be disrupted again,” but explained, “We also sought legal advice and inquired with the Korea Sports Council.”
Professor Kim Dong-moon, who ran in this election, raised the issue rnrn
|
View larger image
|
| Kim Taek-gyu, president of the Korea Badminton Association, is answering questions from lawmakers at the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee’s inquiry on pending issues regarding the korea Football Association, etc., held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on September 24 last year. Photo = Newsis |
‘It’s embarrassing to see a player.’
This is a tongue-in-cheek comment about the Korea Badminton Association. While badminton queen ahn Se-young (S
The Badminton Association has come under scrutiny for its opaque election management, described as ‘blind’ by critics. Allegations suggest the election date was deliberately postponed,leading to complications in forming the electoral college. The association confirmed that the number of electors would decrease by approximately 5 from the current 180.
During the general meeting on the 20th,delegates unanimously voted to dissolve the controversial National Election Commission. This decision necessitates the reorganization of the commission and the scheduling of a new election. However, the Badminton Association hinted at potential disputes, stating, “The regulations do not provide grounds for dismissing the election management committee during the general meeting,” and emphasized, “The election must proceed on the 23rd.”
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| Ahn se-young, who clinched back-to-back victories at the 2025 BWF World Tour Super 1000 Malaysia Open and Super 750 India Open, arrived at Incheon International Airport terminal 1 on the afternoon of the 20th and addressed reporters. Photo = Newsis |
The delay in the association’s presidential election has exposed administrative inefficiencies, as international competitions were held without a national team manager or coaching staff. By December 31 last year,the Badminton Association had parted ways with four coaches,including former head coach Kim Hak-gyun. Women’s singles coach Seong Ji-hyun was also removed from the team and informed she would not be reappointed. With the executive branch inactive due to the postponed election, even issuing a public notice for leadership recruitment has been impossible.
Amid these challenges, Ahn Se-young has emerged as a beacon of national pride, dominating international tournaments. She secured victories in both the BWF World Tour Super 1000 Malaysia Open and the World Tour Super 750 India Open women’s singles. Following the controversies at last year’s Paris Olympics,the team faced meaningful adversity but has regained momentum this season. Ahn Se-young expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am thankful to everyone who stood by me during tough and good times,” and added, “Your support helped me showcase my best.”
A senior badminton official commented, “While Ahn se-young excels, our players face immense challenges in overseas competitions.” They further criticized,“It’s deeply embarrassing that the association,which should be a pillar of support for players,is mired in such disarray due to its incompetence.”
Reporter Kim Jin-su kjlf2001@sportsworldi.com
Reporter Kim Jin-su kjlf2001@sportsworldi.com
ⓒ Sports world
E 23rd, the Badminton Association will decide on the election method, including whether to vote by secret ballot or open ballot. Tho, concerns remain over the transparency and fairness of the election process, given the recent controversies.
Kim Dong-moon, a renowned Olympic gold medalist and professor at Wonkwang university, has been vocal about the need for reforms in the association. At a press conference on the 20th, he emphasized the importance of fair play and integrity in sports administration. “The current state of the Badminton Association is disappointing,” he saeid. “We need to restore trust and ensure that the association supports our players effectively.”
Meanwhile, the incumbent president, Kim Taek-gyu, who was disqualified from running for re-election due to lack of qualifications, has filed a legal challenge against the decision. The court has temporarily halted his candidacy, adding further complexity to the election process.
The association’s internal troubles come at a time when South Korean badminton is enjoying international success, especially with the rise of players like Ahn Se-young. Critics argue that the association’s inefficiency and mismanagement are undermining the sport’s potential on the global stage.
As the election approaches, stakeholders are calling for greater accountability and transparency in the Badminton Association. The outcome of the election could considerably impact the future direction of the sport in South Korea.
