A coach has been banned for life for assaulting Shim Suk-hee ©Getty Images

South Korean short track speed skating has been embroiled in scandal with two weeks until the Opening Ceremony of Pyeongchang 2018 after an unnamed coach was banned for life for assaulting Olympic gold medallist Shim Suk-hee.

The Korea Skating Union (KSU) said the coach, whose name has not been released, had admitted striking the 20-year-old following an internal investigation. 

He will now be prohibited from coaching the team at next month's Winter Olympic Games, where Shim will captain the South Korean short track team.

"We have decided on the heavy punishment of permanent expulsion after we discussed the gravity of the issue following statements from the attacker," KSU Disciplinary Committee chairman Kim Sang-kyum said.

"The coach in question has admitted [hitting Shim].

"He stated that Shim did not respect his opinion and that he hit her to help enhance her performance."

Shim Suk-hee won three medals at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, including gold in the 3,000m relay ©Getty Images
Shim Suk-hee won three medals at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, including gold in the 3,000m relay ©Getty Images

The coach in question is able to appeal the sanction to the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee.

According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, he will be replaced by former national team coach Park Se-woo.

The coach was previously suspended pending the investigation from the eight-member Disciplinary Committee.

The decision from the Committee means he will not be able to hold any role within the KSU or attend any events sanctioned by the governing body.

The case has caused huge controversy in South Korea prior to Pyeongchang 2018, where Shim will be among the medal contenders.

The multiple world champion anchored the South Korean team to the 3,000 metres gold medal at the 2014 Games in Sochi.

Shim also claimed silver in the 1,500m and bronze over 1,000m.