The National Human Rights Commission on Friday said it is investigating abuse claims made by a young triathlete, a day before she took her own life.
The commission said it received a petition on June 25 from the legal representative of the family of 22-year-old Choi Suk-hyeon, who was found dead the following day in her home.
An NHRC official confirmed a special task force on human rights in sports has taken up the case.
Choi's family filed a similar petition in February against the head coach of her semi-pro club at Gyeongju City Hall, a team physiotherapist and two senior teammates, but withdrew it later to launch criminal action.
Gyeongju police forwarded Choi's case to prosecutors in May recommending indictment for the alleged abusers on charges of assault and extortion.
The Daegu District Prosecutors Office said it has been investigating the case and plans to soon call in those facing allegations for questioning.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
