All it took was for one domino to fall... for the rest to quickly follow.<br />Yet more sexual abuse accusations have been raised by a group of female South Korean athletes.<br />On the defensive after being called out by a lawmaker,... the former vice chair of the national skating union held a press conference on Monday to insist he was in the dark about what was happening.<br />Yoon Jung-min reports. <br />In a press conference on Monday, the Young Skaters Association and independent lawmaker Sohn Hye-won accused more incumbent coaches and trainers for allegedly committing sexual abuse on young skaters, including underage athletes, whose identities were withheld.<br /><br /> "The victims are concerned of retaliation against them if their identities are publicly disclosed. Even now, they are in fear. Who is to take responsibility for creating for such fear?"<br /><br /> The skating body also condemned Jeon Myung-gyu, professor at the Korea National Sport University and former vice chair of the Korea Skating Union, for allegedly attempting to cover up a series of allegations raised by victims, including short track Olympic champion Shim Suk-hee.<br /><br />The victims have called on investigation on Jeon for wielding influence on the skating field and turning a blind eye to the crimes.<br />The association urged a thorough probe into all abuse cases as well as an intensive audit on the national sports university.<br /><br />On the same day, Jeon also held a press conference and apologized for the overall situation, but he also managed to leave some questions by reporters unanswered.<br /><br /> "I was not well aware of the sexual abuse on Suk-hee. I also did not know that the perpetrator was her coach. I'm not saying that I'm not responsible for the scandal, but I am sorry, and I apologize to her and the public."<br /><br />Meanwhile, the Korean Sports and Olympic Committee has reportedly been reviewing whether to abolish the skating union amid the series of abuse scandals.<br /><br />The Young Skaters Association, however, urged high-level officials at the committee,... including its President Lee Kee-heung, to step down.<br />Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News. <br />
