The Korean Gymnastics Association has canceled the sports award recommendation of Shin Jae-hwan (23 years old, Jecheon City Hall), a men's vaulting gold medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, who is accused of assaulting a taxi driver after drinking.
In an apology released through the official website of the Gymnastics Association, the Association said, "We sincerely apologize and apologize to everyone who loves gymnastics in relation to Shin Jae-hwan's assault. On the 16th, we held an emergency Sports Fair Committee and canceled the recommendation of Shin Jae-hwan and the coach responsible for player management for the Sports Award.”
The Gymnastics Association also added, "We are deeply aware of the seriousness of the incident and will further strengthen character and ethics education for the national team and all athletes to prevent deviance."
Shin Jae-hwan won a surprise gold medal in the men's vault at the Tokyo Olympics last August.
It was the second gold medal won by Korean gymnastics at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, following Yang Hak-seon of the men's vault.
However, Shin Jae-hwan, who participated in the World Championships in Japan last October, did not play due to back pain and poor condition.
In the 2022 national selection match held in Yanggu, Gangwon-do on the 10th and 11th, he withdrew after playing only the first stage of the vault.
Shin Jae-hwan, who was not selected for the national team, is accused of assaulting a taxi driver on a road in Banseok-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, around 1 am on the 15th after drinking with an acquaintance.
When the taxi driver asked where he was going, it is said that he made a statement to the police to the effect that Shin Jae-hwan wielded violence and suffered a bruise on his face.
Daejeon Yuseong Police Station will call Shin Jae-hwan to investigate the incident after the 20th.
(Photo = Yonhap News)