Beleaguered South Korean curling official Kim Kyung Doo says he and his family will leave the sport for good as the government investigates their alleged abusive treatment of the “Garlic Girls,” the country’s hugely popular Olympic silver medallists.

Former Korean Curling Federation vice-president Kim offered a “sincere apology” on Tuesday  to the athletes and also for causing “great disappointment” to the public.

Kim admitted to accusations that he verbally abused members of the team, saying he had been “unskilled” in expression. However, Kim has denied more serious accusations, including holding back donations and prize money from the team.