Promoting the Right to Education and Dual Careers of Athletes: Former Korean Dropout College Student-Athletes as Social Agents to Promote Critical Conflict Resolution

Abstract

College student-athletes who drop out of athletic programs are often segregated from mainstream society in South Korea. They face diverse life difficulties and vocational challenges and lack appropriate social and emotional support. This article explores the experiences and perspectives of former college student-athletes who dropped out of athletic programs but overcame educational, social, and cultural barriers to develop successful career paths in the face of ongoing structural problems and complex socio-political and socio-cultural limitations in the Korean elite sporting system. This study specifically examines how they perceive their social roles and responsibilities by reflecting on their past life experiences, and how they advocate for younger college student-athletes who drop out of athletic programs. This study employs concepts of critical theory to interpret their social roles and responsibilities through three prominent themes: critical mentorship, mediation, and facilitation. This study develops insights to promote positive social change and improve future policies and practices.