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An Se-young, the winner of the Paris Olympics badminton women’s singles gold, takes questions from reporters after arriving home in Korea via Incheon International Airport on Aug. 7, 2024. (Baek So-ah/Hankyoreh)

South Korean badminton player An Se-young, who won the gold medal in the women’s singles event at the Paris Olympics, apologized on Thursday for taking the spotlight away from other Olympians. An had made headlines earlier this week with candid remarks about what she called improper management and dated training methods within the Badminton Korea Association after her victory. 

On Aug. 8, An posted a message on her Instagram account saying, “I wish to apologize foremost to the athletes who are competing on the Olympic stage after countless hours of hard work.” 

“My words have drowned moments that should have been bathed in nothing but glory and congratulations with a tsunami of controversy,” An continued. 

“I’d like to offer my sincere apology to all athletes competing in the games.”

She added, “I also want to apologize to those who have been waiting for my position [on this matter]. I will share my thoughts and views after the Olympic Games are over, and after all the athletes have been sufficiently congratulated.”

On Monday (local time), immediately after defeating China’s He Bingjiao in the women's singles finals and taking the gold, An criticized the association’s lack of communication and its player management system, calling for change.

After returning to Korea via Incheon International Airport the day before, she told reporters at the arrival hall, “I really didn’t mean to start a fight. My comments came from a place of just wanting to focus on my training,” adding, “I’ll share more details after further discussion.”

By Joo Seong-mi, staff reporter

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]