THE SEOUL GAMES / DAY 8 : Korean Olympic President Steps Down

SEOUL — Kim Chong Ha, the president of the Korean Olympic Committee, resigned Saturday in the wake of the boxing incident in which South Korean coaches attacked a referee.

“As president of the Korean Olympic Committee and the host of the 24th Olympic Games, I take full responsibility for the actions that took place at the gymnasium,” Kim said. “I deeply regret this incident.”.

The melee took place Thursday after Alexander Hristov of Bulgaria was awarded a decision over Byun Jong Il of South Korea.

South Korean coaches stormed into the ring and assaulted referee Keith Walker of New Zealand, and Byun protested by sitting in the ring for 67 minutes, forcing several fights to be moved to another ring.

Byun, a bantamweight, was suspended indefinitely by the International Amateur Boxing Assn. (AIBA), and five South Korean boxing officials--one an assistant coach and another a trainer--were thrown out of the Olympics.

“After analyzing the incident, I have decided to resign from my post, and the Korean Olympic Committee has accepted my resignation,” Kim said.

Chong Man Lip, the KOC vice president and general secretary, will replace Kim.

Byun and his coaches should have appealed the decision, Kim said.

“It is through the appeal process the coaches and athletes should follow,” Kim said. “I can’t agree with any other procedure, especially violent actions. I can’t agree with violent actions.”

Kim said the incident should not be blown out of proportion.

“It’s only a problem of the international boxing federation, but on behalf of the host country I have resigned,” Kim said.

“I hope the rest of the Games are successful and exciting.”