Jeju Sports Council Faces Embezzlement Allegations as National Games Approach

With the National Sports Festival in Jeju just over a month away, the Jeju Sports Council has become embroiled in allegations of corruption. Jeju East Police are conducting a preliminary inquiry into council chairman Shin Jin-seong over suspected embezzlement.

The allegations concern claims that Shin falsely recorded meal expenses from meetings and diverted business promotion funds, as well as money intended to cover meals for employees working overtime. Although the sports council is a private organization, it carries out public sports programs and receives provincial subsidies. Of its 47.9 billion won budget this year, 34.9 billion won, or 73%, comes from the province.

“

I spent the business promotion funds through proper accounting procedures, and I never instructed anyone to spend them improperly.

Shin rejected the accusations at a news conference. “I spent the business promotion funds through proper accounting procedures, and I never instructed anyone to spend them improperly,” he said. “The overtime meal expenses were legitimate meal-support funds for employees, and there was absolutely no personal embezzlement on my part.” He said the council’s reputation had been seriously damaged at a critical time before the games and promised civil and criminal action against employees who leaked internal documents without authorization or spread false information.

“

The overtime meal expenses were legitimate meal-support funds for employees, and there was absolutely no personal embezzlement on my part.

The council will oversee practical preparations for the festival, which begins on Oct. 16 and runs for a week. About 30,000 athletes from 50 sports are expected to take part. Concerns have emerged that a police inquiry and a provincial inspection could affect the event’s operations.

The council received an “insufficient” rating last year in an evaluation of a subsidized program that organized and managed Jeju teams for national multi-sport competitions, following allegations of abusive conduct and misconduct. Jeju Participation and Environmental Solidarity called for Shin’s immediate resignation and direct provincial supervision. Jeju said it would refer the matter to its audit committee or police if investigators uncover illegal or improper conduct.

“

The sports council chairman should resign immediately, and Jeju Province should exercise direct supervisory authority.