An Se-young Silences About Retak Relations With Coach Staff

An Se-young is suspected of being in conflict with the coaching staff (doc. BWF).

JAKARTA Badminton star from South Korea who is currently ranked first in the world, An Se-young, chose to remain silent about the rumors of an unharmonic relationship with the coaching staff.

The problem between An Se-young and the coaching staff was blurred during the badminton player's appearance at the Denmark Open 2024 which took place last week.

Upon returning from Denmark and arriving at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, An Se-young was asked to confirm the matter by reporters, but he only gave a short answer.

"I don't have much to say," said the 22-year-old badminton player before boarding his team's bus, as quoted by The Korea Times.

Upon arrival at Incheon Airport, interactions between An Se-young and national team staff, including head coach Kim Hak-Kyun, were monitored closely.

Just like when he left for the tournament, An Se-young was seen coming out of the arrival gate at a separate airport with all the coaching staff.

As for when playing at the Denmark Open 2024, indications that strengthened the alleged unfavorable relationship between An Se-young and the coaching staff looked quite striking, especially with coach Kim Hak-Kyun and coach Sung Ji-hyun.

There was a moment during the interval break, An Se-young seemed to avoid conversations with the coaching staff. This interaction further strengthens speculation.

This situation has also attracted the attention of many international media. Some media noted that An Se-young seemed to be trying to avoid eye contact with the coach and ignore some of their instructions.

This issue got more and more attention after the President of the South Korean Badminton Association (BKA), Kim Taek-gyu testified before the National Assembly's Committee on Culture, Sports and Tourism.

"I heard that An Se-young did not greet the coaches, even when he arrived in Denmark," he said.

In addition, comments from coach Kim who arrived early at the airport after returning from Denmark further showed problems between An Se-young and the coaching staff.

"This is still a time when we need to approach and talk. We will solve it gradually. There are many things that both parties need to do. So, please be patient," he said.

Denmark Open 2024 is An Se-young's first appearance after voicing strong criticism targeting the management of the national team and the South Korean Badminton Association (BKA) after winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in August 2024.

In the Super 750 BWF level tournament, An Se-young who became the first seed had to settle for runner-up after losing against second seed from China, Wang Zhi Yi.