Jung Sung-sook, the head coach of the South Korean women’s national judo team, has announced her resignation following a series of administrative failures and logistical errors that drew public criticism. The decision comes after a string of high-profile incidents during the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and subsequent travel to the World Judo Championships.
Resignation Following Administrative Failures
Jung announced her intention to step down on October 13 upon arriving at Incheon International Airport following the conclusion of the World Judo Championships. An official with the Korea Judo Association confirmed the development, stating, “Coach Jung Sung-sook has communicated her intention to take responsibility for the recent series of events. We plan to proceed with the necessary administrative procedures once her formal letter of resignation is submitted.” The association’s Performance Improvement Committee is scheduled to meet on October 16 to discuss the vacancy and the potential reappointment of other coaching staff.
Disqualification at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games
The controversy began on September 30 during the Asian Games, when South Korean judoka Jung Su-jin was disqualified from the women’s 48kg division. The coaching staff failed to recognize that the athlete had been selected for a random weigh-in, leading them to authorize the consumption of food and drink, which subsequently resulted in her disqualification. The incident gained public attention after being reported in the media and through social media statements by the athlete.
Jung Su-jin alleged that following the incident, coaches focused on training remaining team members rather than addressing the fallout. She further claimed that the Korea Judo Association delayed public disclosure of the event, which she felt led to unfair criticism directed toward her. According to the athlete, Coach Jung told her on October 4, the day of the team’s return to South Korea, that the matter needed to be contained to avoid a public escalation.
Addressing these claims, Coach Jung stated, “All responsibility lies with the leadership. I offer my sincere and deepest apologies to athlete Jung Su-jin and her family as a representative of the coaching staff and as a manager.” Regarding accusations that she attempted to suppress the incident, she countered that she had apologized to the athlete multiple times and had intended to ensure the athlete would not suffer further professional harm.
Logistical Delays During World Championship Travel
The coaching staff faced further scrutiny following an incident on October 5, while the team was en route to the World Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. During a layover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, four national team athletes missed their connecting flight. The delay forced the competitors to wait at the airport for several hours, which reportedly impacted their physical preparation for the tournament.
Coach Jung refuted claims that the missed flight was due to the team stopping for a meal. She explained that the group had been sitting in a coffee shop to pass the time and that the transit process within the airport required significantly more time than anticipated, leading to the delay.
Upcoming Korea Judo Association Review
The Korea Judo Association is set to finalize the leadership transition on October 16. The committee’s agenda includes formalizing the departure of the head coach and reviewing the status of the remaining coaching staff members. The upcoming meeting will determine the administrative path forward for the women’s national team following the conclusion of the 2026 international competition cycle.
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