Hunger strike since the 22nd of last month
Park Chang-beom, former president of the Korea Wushu Association, who had been on hunger strike for 11 days in opposition to current korea Sports Council President Lee Ki-heung’s bid for a third term, suspended his hunger strike.
Former Chairman Park’s side announced on the 2nd, “Today, former Chairman Park accepted the proposal of former National Assembly member Lee Jong-geol and decided to suspend his hunger strike.”
On this day, former lawmaker Lee visited the site and recommended, “stop fasting and take care of your health,” and former Chairman Park accepted.
Former Chairman Park, who was taken to the hospital and admitted, will receive treatment temporarily and focus on recovering his health.
Former Chairman Park said, “I will quickly recover my health, communicate and work with athletes again, and prevent Chairman Lee’s third consecutive term and dictatorship in sports.”
Former Chairman Park, who is running in the 42nd Sports Council President election to be held in January next year, began an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Korea Sports Council on the 22nd of last month, opposing Chairman Lee’s candidacy for a third consecutive term.
At the time, former Chairman Park said, “If you look at the current trend of the Korean sports community, it is regressing,” and added, “The hunger strike can be seen as a very small sacrifice, but I think that going on a hunger strike for the sports community is an opportunity to inform all athletes and the public.” said.
Previously,People Power Party lawmaker Jin jong-oh,former Korea Table Tennis Association president Yoo Seung-min,Dankook University professor emeritus Kang Shin-wook,and former Seoul Metropolitan Sports Council president Kang Tae-seon visited former Chairman Park’s fasting site and offered words of encouragement and consolation.
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What are the ancient precedents for hunger strikes in sports activism in Korea?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on the Recent Hunger Strike in Korean Sports
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome too Time.news. Today, we have a crucial discussion about the recent hunger strike led by park Chang-beom, the former president of the Korea Wushu Association. Our expert guest is Dr. Han Soo-jin, a sports governance expert and professor at Seoul National university. Dr. Han, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Han Soo-jin (HSS): Thank you for having me.It’s a vital topic that impacts the structure of sports governance in Korea.
TNE: Initially, tell us about the significance of Park Chang-beom’s hunger strike. Why did he choose this method to express his opposition?
HSS: Park Chang-beom’s hunger strike is quiet symbolic. Hunger strikes are extreme measures frequently enough used to draw attention to meaningful issues—in this case, his opposition to Lee Ki-heung’s candidacy for a third consecutive term as president of the Korea Sports Council. Park views this as not just a challenge to an individual but to the prevailing governance structure in Korean sports, which he believes is fostering regression rather than progress.
TNE: He mentions that the hunger strike can be viewed as a “small sacrifice.” What does this say about the cultural context in which athletes and sports figures in Korea operate?
HSS: in Korea, there’s a long history of activism tied closely to physical endurance and personal sacrifice. For many, including Park, the act of going on a hunger strike symbolizes dedication and a willingness to suffer for a greater cause. It resonates deeply with societal values surrounding perseverance and collective well-being, notably in the sports community.
TNE: Park also commented that he intends to return to working with athletes post-recovery. How could his actions affect the sports community moving forward?
HSS: His statement suggests that he’s not only fighting against what he perceives as dictatorship in sports leadership but also advocating for a more inclusive and obvious governance model. Should he succeed in his bid for the presidency in January, it may lead to transformative changes in how athletic policies are dictated and how athletes can influence those decisions. it’s significant to see this not as just a personal crusade but as an opportunity for broader dialogue about democratic practices in sports organizations.
TNE: Throughout his protest, he received support from notable figures, including lawmakers and former sports officials. How crucial is this support in the context of athlete advocacy?
HSS: Support from prominent figures is pivotal. It reflects that Park’s struggle has resonated beyond just his personal conflict with Lee. When influential voices rally behind an issue, it amplifies the message and encourages more athletes and stakeholders to engage in advocacy. It shows a unified front that can push for systemic change within the sports community.
TNE: Park expressed concerns about the regression of the Korean sports community. To what extent do you believe thes concerns are valid, and what data supports this view?
HSS: While I cannot speak to specific data without recent reports, the general sentiment from athletes and stakeholders often reflects apprehension regarding leadership accountability, resource allocation, and clarity. Issues such as funding, governance models, and athlete portrayal are often discussed as areas needing reform.If there’s a consistent pattern of negative feedback from athletes and coaches, it would certainly validate Park’s concerns about regression in the sports landscape.
TNE: Moving forward,what can athletes do to ensure their voices are heard within sports governance structures?
HSS: Athletes must engage in advocacy at all levels—from grassroots to national organizations. this can include forming coalitions to bring common issues to light, participating in governance bodies where possible, and using social media platforms to raise awareness about their struggles and aspirations.Dialogue between athletes and governing bodies is necessary for sustainable change.
TNE: Thank you, Dr.Han Soo-jin, for this enlightening discussion. Your insights shed light on the complex dynamics at play within the Korean sports community and the significance of governance reform.
HSS: thank you for having me.It’s critically importent that we continue to monitor these developments and support efforts towards a more equitable sports environment.
TNE: That’s a wrap for today! Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation in the sports world.