ZFN Expels Fighter Kim Joong-woo Over Choking Incident

[OSEN=Jeong Seung-woo Reporter] Kim Joong-woo, who rendered a civilian participant unconscious by applying a grappling technique during an internet live broadcast, has been expelled from the mixed martial arts organization 'ZFN'. Police are also investigating Kim on suspicion of injury. ZFN, founded by 'The Korean Zombie' Jung Chan-sung, announced on September 7 through its official channel that it had terminated the player contract with Kim Joong-woo. ZFN stated, "We determined that the recent controversial behavior of an affiliated athlete during a broadcast violated the dignity maintenance obligations stipulated in the ZFN player contract. We hereby inform you that the contract with the athlete has been terminated as of today." It added, "ZFN will apply the same standards without exception to the speech and actions of its affiliated athletes in the future. We hope for the swift recovery of the victim and apologize for the concern caused to our fans." The incident occurred during a YouTube live broadcast held at an officetel in Cheongna-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon. Kim Joong-woo, who had playfully assumed a sparring stance with a male participant in his 20s on the broadcast, applied a 'guillotine choke'—a grappling technique that constricts the opponent's neck. The victim repeatedly tapped Kim's body with his hands to signal surrender and request a stop. However, Kim did not immediately release the hold, and the victim eventually lost consciousness. The victim struck the back of his head hard against the cement floor while collapsing. The situation was broadcast live. Kim was reported to have said, "Let me put you to sleep," toward the unconscious victim. He then moved the victim to one side of the broadcast location with other participants. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment and is reported to have shown partial paralysis. Police have booked Kim on suspicion of injury without detention and are investigating the exact circumstances. They will also examine whether other participants present at the scene were complicit or negligent. This incident did not occur during a ZFN-hosted event or official training session. It happened during Kim's personal internet broadcast activities. After the incident became known, ZFN judged it a violation of the dignity maintenance obligations in the contract and immediately severed ties. Kim Joong-woo, a former wrestler who transitioned to mixed martial arts, used the ring name 'Korean Gorilla'. He was also known through some broadcasts as having ties to organized crime. Kim made his mixed martial arts debut on August 22 at a ZFN event against Choi Chang-jun, where he lost by TKO 3 minutes and 31 seconds into the second round. About half a month after his professional debut, he used a grappling technique on a civilian. Kim has become the subject of a police investigation and was immediately expelled by his affiliated organization. /reccos23@osen.co.kr