Investigators in the eastern city of Chuncheon said an official request for Sa's arrest has been sent to a district court. It's not clear when the warrant will be issued.
Sa, 30, who claimed gold in the men's 77 kilogram class at the Beijing Games, has been investigated for punching Hwang Woo-man, 21, at a Chuncheon bar on December 31, causing severe injuries. Hwang has been seen as a future medal prospect having won silver at the World Junior Championships.
Sa is accused of abusing his posion as senior to beat Hwang. If convicted, the former Olympic champion could lose his sports pension.
Sa, who had hoped to compete at this year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, was ruled out of the competition after the Korea Weightlifting Federation suspenbded him for 10 years on January 4.
Sa argued his assault was "accidental" following his failed attempt to clear up a misunderstanding with Hwang. But online pictures showing Hwang's swollen face sparked pubic resentment and calls for harsh punishment.
Charles Lim
아주경제 임장원 기자 = cwlim34@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com