A controversy erupted on the 25th over allegations that a male coach sexually harassed a female runner who had just crossed the finish line during the Incheon International Marathon.
The incident occurred on the morning of the 23rd in Songdo, Incheon, during the "2025 Incheon International Marathon." Debate arose over whether unnecessary physical contact occurred when Coach Kim Wan-gi reached toward runner Lee Su-min's upper body to wrap a towel around her after she crossed the finish line.
In an interview with "News1TV" on the 24th, Coach Kim said of the situation, "Marathons are grueling, so for female runners, there are many cases where they faint and collapse immediately after crossing the finish line," adding, "If you don't hold them, they can fall and get seriously hurt."
He went on, "Because she came in hard, the tip of her solar plexus touched my arm. He said it hurt so much that he instinctively brushed it away," and "He said he was sorry about the controversy."
Lee Su-min crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 35 minutes and 41 seconds in the race, taking first place among Korean women. After the race, Lee said, "I joined this race as part of training before winter camp, and I'm happy with the good time," adding, "I will use this result as a springboard to aim for and prepare for the Asian Games." She was followed by Jeong Hyeon-ji (Samcheok City Hall, 2:39:41) and Kim Eun-mi (Yeosu City Hall, 2:40:51) in second and third.