Speed skater Kim Bo-reum has won a civil lawsuit against his former national team teammate Lee Sun-young, claiming he was harassed.

The verdict was confirmed because both Kim Bo-reum and Cho Sun-young did not appeal within the time limit after the appeal court sentenced them on 21 March that "Cho Sun-young must pay 300 million won in compensation."

The legal dispute between the two ended in a partial victory for Kim Bo-reum after two and a half years.

Kim Bo-reum has been criticized by public opinion for the so-called "bullying driving" controversy that erupted after the eighth round of the women's team pursuit at the 2 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

However, public opinion was reversed when an audit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism found that there was no deliberate bullying.

From 2018 to 8, when the Olympics were held, Kim Bo-reum filed a lawsuit in November 2010 seeking 2018 million won in the Seoul Central District Court, claiming that he was harassed by Cho Sun-young, including obstruction of training and verbal abuse.

In February 2020, the first court ruled that Cho Sun-young should pay 11 million won in compensation, saying, "It is admitted that Cho Young-young verbally abused and abused Kim Bo-reum, a junior, in November and December 2 for riding a fast lap time."

The second trial dismissed both appeals last month and upheld the first.

The court of second instance tried to bring about reconciliation between the two, saying, "There may be resentment on both sides, but I also think that nothing has been done perfectly well," but could not reach an agreement.

(Photo = Yonhap News)