By Yi Whan-woo

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) plans to investigate alleged abuse of disabled athletes by a coach and violations of their human rights.

The commission announced the plan Tuesday after claims were made that Kim Jin-han, had beaten athletes and thrown equipment at them during the Aug. 29 to Sept. 9 London 2012 Paralympics.

Ji Kwang-min, captain of the national Boccia team filed a complaint with the rights panel last month.

He claimed Kim also beat other Boccia players over the past two years.

The coach also faces allegations of extorting money from his athletes to cover training expenses for the sport.

"The victim is a physically challenged person who needs help, not abuse, for his athletic performance," the NHRC said.

"We're seriously concerned whether infringements of human rights have been prevalent against disabled athletes in the past and we'll strive to uncover any other abuse cases."

The NHRC will target the Korea Sports Association for the Disabled (KOSAD), an organization for the physically challenged athletes. It will also question retired and active athletes as well as coaches.

KOSAD confirmed the assault charges against the coach at its disciplinary committee meeting last week although Kim denied the allegations, saying that he only tapped Ji on the back for encouragement.

KOSAD added that the coach was found to have taken 5.6 million won ($4,995) from Ji and other players since November.

It is seeking to set up a department called the Disabled Athletes' Rights Protection Team. The department will monitor individual sports federations for possible violations of the rights of disabled athletes.

KOSAD added it will urge regional governing agencies for disability sports to tighten guidelines to prevent such abuses and to impose severe penalties on violators.

It will also provide administrative support for the Committee for Protection of Athletes' Rights and Interests. The committee will be made up of human rights experts who will provide counseling for abuse victims.

It will be an organization independent of the Korean Olympic Committee (KOC), the nation's ruling sports body.

KOSAD is currently looking to punish Kim under its regulation. It states that the national federation of a given sport has the right to take disciplinary action against its athletes or coaches for any wrongdoings. Those who are subject to penalties may appeal to KOSAD.