The so-called Garlic Girls who swept to fame during their stirring run to an Olympic curling silver medal have alleged that they were verbally abused by a South Korean official and subjected to unreasonable orders from coaches.

South Korea's sports ministry announced today a joint investigation with the national Olympic committee into the allegations.

The five-member women's curling team sparked unprecedented national attention for their sport in February before losing to Sweden in the final on home ice at the Pyeongchang Olympics. The team sent a letter to the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) last week to outline their allegations.