Source: REUTERS / Hamad I Mohammed
[Saba Sports News] The Election Management Committee of the Korea Badminton Association announced on the last day for candidate registration for the 32nd presidential election that it had decided to cancel the candidate registration of the current president, Kim Taek Soo, after a review, declaring him ineligible to run. The chairman of the election management committee explained that Kim Taek Soo is under investigation for embezzlement and misconduct, which violates grant laws and requires the association to repay funds. He has been recommended for dismissal by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, hence he is deemed ineligible. It is reported that Kim Taek Soo previously served as the president of the Chungnam Badminton Association and was elected as the 31st president of the Korea Badminton Association in January 2021. Last month, Kim Taek Soo submitted his intention to register as a candidate for the next election and is currently in a state of suspension from his duties. Korean media view Kim Taek Soo as a core figure in the improper conduct of the badminton association exposed by An Se-young’s “determined statement” regarding the Paris Olympic women’s singles gold medalist. Under tremendous public pressure, the election committee is unlikely to allow him to participate in the next badminton association presidential election.