"Deeply Shocked"—Marathon 'Physical Contact' Controversy... Samcheok-si Launches Investigation

According to The Financial News, Samcheok-si has launched an investigation after allegations surfaced that Kim Wan-gi, coach of the Samcheok City Hall track and field team, engaged in unnecessary physical contact with Lee Soo-min.

On the 27th, city officials stated they are investigating the incident that occurred on the 23rd at the 2025 Incheon International Marathon, where, immediately after crossing the finish line, Lee Soo-min appeared to grimace and push away Coach Kim as he tried to cover her with a towel.

The incident took place during the 2025 Incheon International Marathon held on the 23rd. After Lee Soo-min of the Samcheok City Hall track and field team crossed the finish line, Coach Kim Wan-gi attempted to cover her with a towel. Lee was seen grimacing and pushing him away, a moment that was broadcast live during the marathon coverage.
After the footage was released, various opinions emerged online. Some criticized it as an 'excessive attempt at physical contact,' while others countered that covering athletes with towels is a common practice for their protection. However, concerns were raised about Lee's visibly uncomfortable expression, escalating the issue to suspicions of sexual harassment.


As the controversy grew, Lee Soo-min addressed the issue directly through her social networking service (SNS) account the previous day. She clearly distanced herself from the sexual harassment allegations raised by some.
She stated, "I have never claimed or concluded that this situation was sexual harassment. The real issue was not the intent, but the severe pain I experienced due to unexpectedly strong physical contact immediately after finishing the race."
She added, "I was out of breath and disoriented, and was shocked when someone suddenly grabbed me very forcefully. I felt intense pain in my chest and solar plexus, and my arms were so tightly held that it was difficult to break free."
She continued, "I only realized later that it was my coach. The pain and the unexpected nature of his actions left me deeply shocked."
Afterward, Lee Soo-min approached Coach Kim and told him, 'You pulled me too forcefully after I finished, and it caused me pain. That action was inappropriate.'
However, Lee Soo-min reported that she was quite shocked by the coach's response.
She explained, "I also apologized if my immediate reaction of pushing him away seemed disrespectful. As an athlete, I wanted to remain courteous."
She further expressed, "I was deeply shocked to see a video posted by my coach explaining the incident alone before any investigation, claiming he was not at fault. For someone in a position to protect the athlete and clarify the situation to release a statement before any inquiry was a very difficult and confusing experience for me."
Currently, Lee Soo-min is focusing on recovery after being advised by her doctor that she needs two weeks of treatment for pain and psychological stress.

Coach Kim reportedly explained to Samcheok-si that he intended to cover the athlete with a towel to prevent injury. In interviews with some media outlets, he stated, "It is common in marathons for athletes to collapse at the finish line, so supporting them is standard practice. Lee suddenly leaned forward, so I caught her, and in the process, my arm may have touched her solar plexus, causing her pain."
Samcheok-si plans to collect statements from both parties to determine the facts of the incident.
hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter