Scandal-hit Olympic skater hospitalized for mental problem

Kim Bo-reum

By Kim Se-jeong

Speed skater Kim Bo-reum, who was at the center of a bullying scandal during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and her mother have both been hospitalized for anxiety and stress treatment.

Kim's management company Bravo & New said, “Kim went to Daegu where she's from and received counseling at a mental hospital on March 12. She claimed to suffer from anxiety and the doctor recommended she stay at the hospital for treatment.”

The company also said, “Along with Kim, her mother is also in the hospital. We're waiting for test results that will help determine how long they will stay there.”

During the women's team pursuit quarterfinals on Feb. 19, Kim and Park Ji-woo finished the race almost four seconds ahead of their third teammate, Noh Seon-young. In the team pursuit, the clock stops when the last skater crosses the finish line. The team couldn't advance to the semifinals.

After the game, video clips showed Noh being left alone in tears while Kim and Park walked away. In a press interview right after the game, Kim said the team lost because of Noh. “Team pursuit results are decided when the last skater crosses the line, and that's why we didn't do well,” Kim said.

In less than two days after the game, more than 500,000 people signed a petition on the presidential office's website calling for Kim and Park to be ousted from the national team. Critics claimed Kim's behavior was intolerable. Altogether, the petition received almost 610,000 signatures. In response, Cheong Wa Dae said it would look into the scandal and systematic bullying in the national skating team.

In a separate press conference, Kim offered a tearful apology.

“My message hurt many people. I regret what I said and would like to apologize,” Kim said. But Kim's coach displayed an ignorant attitude during the press conference and worsened the situation for Kim.

Later, Kim won the silver medal in the women's mass start speed skating but still felt penitent for her earlier actions. “I

am sorry,” Kim said after winning the silver medal.

During her remaining days at the Olympics, Kim reportedly locked herself in her apartment in the Athlete's Village, refusing to eat.

Thursday's news drew mixed reactions from the public.

Some showed sympathy, claiming she's been through enough, but others said it was right for her to suffer given her behavior.