| Former professional volleyball player Go Yoo-min was found dead in her home in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, July 31. / Korea Times File |
By Lee Hyo-jin
Former professional volleyball player Go Yoo-min, 25, was found dead in her home in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, around 9:40 p.m., July 31, according to Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency.
Her body was discovered by an ex-teammate who had visited her home, as Go had not been answering phone calls.
Police found no signs of attack or outside entry. While assuming suicide, the police will investigate based on statements of acquaintances and a digital forensic examination of Go's phone.
Go had played for Hyundai E&C Hillstate as left-backup in the 2019-2020 season. Earlier this year, she had shifted her position to libero to fill in for Kim Yeon-gyeon's absence due to injury.
However, Go left the team in March without giving specific reasons. The Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) later confirmed her retirement in May.
While the cause of her death is to still left be investigated, some view that the former athlete may be a victim of cyberbullying. Go had reportedly suffered from continuous malicious comments online. Internet users left harsh comments not only about her performance, but also offensive comments and sexual harassment.
In May, she had expressed how she was stressed due to malicious comments and aggressive direct messages via Instagram. Go posted on Instagram, “Stop telling me what to do with your useless advices and mind your own business,” and closed the comment section.
Also, Go Yoo-min's diary revealed by local media on Saturday shows how the former athlete had been feeling pressured after shifting her position to libero. “I have been trying my best in this team, but I keep losing confidence and feel nervous,” she wrote.
She made her professional debut in 2013. After winning CBS nationwide volleyball championship for middle-high school athletes, she entered Hyundai E&C Hillstate, and played seven consecutive seasons for the team.