2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist An Se-young returns to South Korea through Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport on Oct. 22. Newsis

An Se-young, the women's singles badminton gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, did not attend the Badminton Korea Association's (BKA) Olympic awards ceremony on Saturday.

Despite her historic achievement of clinching Korea's first badminton gold medal in 16 years, the 21-year-old player of Samsung Life Insurance has been embroiled in a conflict with the association over calls for improved treatment and efficiency in its operations, which she raised in a press conference after the Olympics.

The BKA held the ceremony at the Arina Hotel in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, and presented the medalists with 200 million won ($153,000) in prize money.

An was awarded 100 million won, while the mixed doubles silver medalists, Kim Won-ho (Samsung Life Insurance) and Jeong Na-eun (Hwasun County Office), received 50 million won ($38,200) each.

However, An cited scheduling conflicts and did not attend, fueling speculation that the tension between her and the association remains unresolved.

Adding to the controversy, reports surfaced that An was spotted at a basketball game around the same time as the awards ceremony. According to Star News, she attended a Women's Korean Basketball League match between Yongin Samsung Life and Busan BNK at Yongin Indoor Gymnasium.

Her 100 million won prize was collected on her behalf by Samsung Life coach Gil Young-ah.

BKA President Kim Taek-kyu, who has faced criticism from An for the association's mismanagement, avoided direct mention of her absence during his remarks at the event.

He said, "I hope badminton remains a sport loved by all," and moved on with the proceedings. The KBA also showcased a highlight video of An's Olympic journey, which drew applause from attendees.

Kim Taek-gyu, president of the Korea Badminton Association, presents a commemorative plaque and prize money to Gil Young-ah, head coach of Samsung Life and representative for An Se-young, during the 2024 Paris Olympic badminton team awards ceremony held at the Arena Hotel in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, Saturday. Newsis

An's post-Olympic press conference in August prompted an investigation by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism into the association's management.

The probe uncovered evidence of subsidy violations and the improper distribution of sponsored equipment, leading to a police investigation involving President Kim.

An's continued absence from KBA events and her criticism of its operations underscore the growing demand for systemic reform within Korean badminton's governing body.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.