South Korea's top sports body has issued a public apology for the recent spate of sexual abuse scandals involving sports stars and their coaches.
The apology and pledge to get tough... comes amid a spate of allegations raised by some of the country's best-known female athletes. Yoon Jung-min reports.
The Korean Sports and Olympic Committee officially apologized on Tuesday and pledged to take measures to root out abuse amid the recent spate of physical and sexual abuse scandals.

Outside experts will handle further investigation as the committee has been criticized for failing to properly investigate and punish assault and abuse cases.

"We sincerely apologize for failing to properly deal with faults committed by officials in charge of rewards and punishment for athletes. We will closely work with the government to immediately expel any sports federations involved in such violence."

The response comes amid a spate of sexual assault allegations raised by athletes,... including short track champion Shim Suk-hee and judoka Shin Yu-yong.
Currently, probes are underway to see whether there are other cases.

Lee added the committee will review the current "elite sports system" including training camps.
The latest measures are in line with President Moon Jae-in's call for eradication of such abuse in sports.
The sports federation has often been criticized in the past for being lenient on assaults, and choosing good medal results over strict punishment toward perpetrators.

The committee said it will also share information of offenses with national sports federations to prevent the perpetrators from being hired again.

Lee promised to set up a counseling center for national athletes,... while working with the government and civil groups to tackle the issue.
Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.