Kim Un-yong`s Campaign for IOC Vice-Presidency Allegedly Ruined Pyeongchang`s Olympic Bid

Millennium Democrat Kim Un-yong was posted to the office of the vice-president of the International Olympic Committee. His selection negatively affected Pyeongchang City`s unsuccessful bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, as claimed by recent sources. A heated debate is ongoing over Kim`s failure to win the bid.

A senior government official, who visited Prague alleged yesterday on condition of anonymity that their "delegation believed that Kim`s withdrawing from the race would bring victory to Pyeongchang in the first round of the vote. They recommended such to Kim, but Kim would not listen. Kim was not just unhelpful. He messed up the whole thing."

"Norway`s Gerhard Heiberg also ran for the position. Heiberg, however, was also a member of the IOC screening board in charge of selection of a venue for the games. After Kim announced his participation in the race, Heiberg turned his back on us, and his followers also voted against us. In total, we lost more than 10 votes."

"Kim told reporters that he would not run for the job but later, he changed his mind and ran for vice president. He did not care about hosting the Olympics. He just cared about himself," said another government official.

Arriving at Incheon International Airport after attending the IOC Convention, Rep. Kim spoke with reporters. "I did my best. Even the major foreign newspapers ran articles about Pyeongchang, quoting my words," he said.

As to negation of his previous announcement, "[After Pyeongchang was disqualified,] the IOC members recommended that I run. On my part, I thought it would be good to run. We want to make Taekweondo a official event in the Olympics, and I can help our country win the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, if I get the job," argued Kim.

On the other hand, Grand National Party member Kim Yong-hak, who first made the allegation, showed opposition to Kim Un-yong`s argument. "We do not want to do any finger-pointing. We just want to bring some sort of justice to someone who betrayed his own country. I will reveal each and every thing Kim did," he said.

Yong-Gwan Jung Young-Sik Kim yongari@donga.com spear@donga.com