Kim Un-yong, under investigation for allegedly violating foreign currency laws and other misdeeds, said Friday that he would resign from the National Assembly.
During a press conference at the National Assembly building in Yeoido, Kim, wiping away tears, said that he has decided to step down as a legislator and as the head of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the World Taekwondo Headquarters (WTH).
In a prepared statement, he said that his sports diplomacy activities have aroused much public criticism, and for this he felt responsible. He said he had only himself to blame for his current circumstances, and offered his deep apologies to the citizens for causing them so much distress.
Kim said that he did all he could to develop Korean sports for 30 years, including Korea’s successful holding of the 1988 Summer Olympic Games and the designation of taekwondo – a Korean national sport – as an official Olympic event. He confessed, however, to having made mistakes during that time.
Kim said that while he was leaving the sporting world that he’s been a part of all his life, he would always love both his country and his country’s sports, and continue to work toward the development of Korean sports, even if he no longer had an official position.
He didn’t respond, however, to questions about whether he would also resign as vice president of the International Olympic Committee.
Kim is under investigation for corporate embezzlement, including the misappropriation of WTF funds, and violations of foreign exchange laws.
News from Chosun Ilbo
