Criticism mounting over volleyballer's planned move to Greek team after bullying scandal

 

Volleyball players Lee Jae-yeong, left, and Lee Da-yeong of Heungkuk Life Insurance Pink Spiders pose after winning the All-Star fan vote at Gyeyang Gymnasium, Incheon, in this Jan. 26 photo. Yonhap

By Bahk Eun-ji

Lee Da-yeong, a professional volleyball player who 스포츠토토사이트 suspended for bullying her teammates during her middle school days, along with her twin sister, Lee Jae-yeong, has faced criticism over news about her plans to transfer to the Greek league.

Public criticism is mounting that it is irresponsible for her to "run away" from the scandal and keep enjoying star athlete status, without even fully apologizing to the victims.

Turkish sports agency CAAN recently announced on its website that Lee Da-yeong signed a contract with PAOK Thessaloniki Greece, and she would become the first Korean player to play in the Greek league.

The news came about four months after the twin star volleyball players of the Heungkuk Life Insurance Pink Spiders were embroiled in a scandal. An anonymous internet user identified herself as a former middle school teammate and accused them of bullying. The alleged victim disclosed more than 20 allegations of bullying, from threatening with a knife to stealing money, and claimed there were more victims.

The two admitted to their wrongdoing, posting a hand-written message with a public apology on their Instagram accounts. But the Heungkuk Life Insurance Pink Spiders suspended the two players indefinitely on Feb. 15. The Korea Volleyball Association (KVA) also indefinitely disqualified the two players from the national team.

However, the two players, who appeared to be apologizing and reflecting on past wrongdoings, suddenly deleted their written apology and said they would take legal action against the victim who first made the allegations as they maintain some of the accusations were not true.

They said they wanted to meet the victim in person to apologize, and then sought to clarify the accusations that they claim are untrue, but this never came to fruition as the alleged victim did not respond.

Following the news of her move to the Greek team, criticisms have again risen that she is trying to avoid responsibility.

"Seeking to transfer to an overseas league, without self-reflection? She is shameless," one internet user wrote.

Regarding the transfer move, Heungkuk Life said that it had not known about the fact and that it would talk with her as she is still listed as a team member.

Even if the team supports her decision to leave, she has another obstacle to overcome. If a player moves to an overseas club, he or she must obtain an International Transfer Consent (ITC) from the KVA. However, when the bullying scandal broke out, the association cited its regulation that an "ITC will be restricted for players who have caused controversy in Korea for issues including violence, sexual harassment or game rigging."