The aftermath of racist remarks by Ulsan Hyundai players is getting worse. In particular, it is a situation that is compared to the criticism of racial discrimination against national team captains Son Heung-min (Tottenham) and Lee Kang-in (Mallorca).
Ulsan defeated Jeju United 5-1 in the 18th round of Hana 1 Q K League 1 2023 held at home on the 10th. Lee Myung-jae, who started and played an active role in this game, uploaded a post on social media after the game, and his teammates continued the conversation by leaving comments.
A problem arose here. Some players made fun of Lee Myung-jae’s appearance by comparing him to a Southeast Asian. Even the real name of Thai national team defender Sasalak Highfrakorn, who played for Jeonbuk in the past, was even mentioned. Even if it’s a joke between teammates, it’s clearly a racist remark.
Lee Kyu-seong left a comment saying, “The Southeast Asian quarter is strong,” and Park Yong-woo compared Lee Myung-jae to Sasalak, saying, “The sasalak form is crazy.” The Ulsan team manager also helped by saying, “Sassalak super tackle.” Lee Myeong-jae also replied, “It’s because of you, Asia Quarter” to Jung Seung-hyun’s praise, “You’re amazing.”
It seems that they made fun of Lee Myung-jae, who has dark skin, by comparing him to a Southeast Asian player. Football fans who saw this immediately pointed out racist behavior and raised issues, and went to Lee Myung-jae’s social media to demand an apology. A Thai fan also pointed out that “every word and every action has a price.”
When the controversy arose, Lee Myung-jae quickly deleted the post, and Park Yong-woo posted an apology on the morning of the 12th. “I apologize to Sasalak and all the fans and people around me who may have been offended by my careless comments on social media last night about my teammate’s playing style and appearance,” he apologized.
Then, Park Yong-woo added, “I will reflect on this incident that happened due to my wrong words and actions called nicknames as a player’s characteristic, and I will be more careful in my words and actions in the future so that it does not recur.”
Finally, Park Yong-woo bowed his head, saying, “Even though I didn’t say it with the intention of racism or demeaning, I sincerely apologize once again to those who were hurt and offended by my inappropriate words and actions.” Currently, the phrase “although it was not intended to be racist or demeaning” has been deleted.
Ulsan said on the club’s official social media on the 12th, “Ulsan Hyundai Football Team bows and apologizes to the victims, officials, and fans for the inappropriate words and actions of the players.” We will devise measures to prevent a recurrence, such as education for all.”
Ulsan then explained the incident and revealed its follow-up plan, saying, “Last night (11th), the players and staff of the Ulsan Hyundai Football Team made inappropriate remarks on social media.” Ulsan promised education on eradication of discrimination, an apology to officials, and holding a reward and punishment committee.
It is a serious matter that may result in a suspension of more than 10 games. According to the Korea Professional Football Federation (K-League Code of Ethics), “all members of the K-League may be treated with contempt or defamation on the grounds of race, color, ethnicity, nationality, society, gender, language, religion, political opinion, or other opinion, property, birth, or other status, sexual orientation, or other cause.” You must not behave in a way that violates the dignity of others.”
If this is violated, a penalty of 20 million won or more may be imposed on the club, a player may be suspended for 10 or more games, and a penalty of 10 million won or more may be imposed. Park Yong-woo, who was selected for the national team for the first time in his recent life, was at the center of controversy ahead of the A match in June.
Park Yong-woo, who was selected for the national team, is more likely to be disciplined. It is especially regrettable when we remember that national team captain Son Heung-min suffered racial discrimination in the Premier League and Europe.
Son Heung-min has been embroiled in controversy over racial discrimination several times this season alone. In a home game against Crystal Palace on May 6, Son Heung-min was substituted just before the end of the second half and headed to the bench.
At this time, a fan teared out his eyes with his fingers toward Son Heung-min in the away supporters’ seat. This is a striking act of discrimination against Asians, comparing the characteristics of Asians with smaller eyes compared to Westerners.
Tottenham immediately issued a statement and declared that they would work with the police to find the actor. Crystal Palace also requested a report, pledging to take a hardline response and take one hundred punishments.
In addition, about Son Heung-min, Martin Tyler, a Sky Sports commentator, said on May 1, “Son Heung-min did martial arts,” causing controversy. This is because his remarks could be interpreted as demeaning Asians. Son Heung-min confessed at a press conference last year that he had “experienced a lot of racial discrimination since childhood when he played in Germany.”
Lee Kang-in (Mallorca), a new player in the Primera Liga, also faced racial discrimination. This is because in the video uploaded by the Mallorca club on YouTube, a cry of “Ke Ases Chino (Hey Chinese, what are you doing)?” was heard toward Lee Kang-in. Many assumed it was Mexican director Javier Aguirre. Chino means Chinese in the dictionary, but in the Spanish-speaking world, especially in Central and South America, it is a derogatory expression for Asians.
What’s more unfortunate is that it happened after Ulsan coach Hong Myung-bo showed himself like a big brother in the soccer world.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo saw the poor situation of the disabled seats at Suwon Sports Complex ahead of the match against Suwon FC and said, “Korean soccer needs to improve in many ways. Take a look at the disabled seats. No matter how good you are at soccer, you must improve. It’s a matter of human rights. He said, “Awareness needs to be improved. There is no such figure on the soccer field anywhere.안전놀이터
It was a voice I hadn’t heard before. However, the players did something incomprehensible.
In particular, the head coach of the national soccer team, Jurgen Klinsmann, is also aware of this incident.
An official from the Korea Football Association said, “As the controversy over racial discrimination in Ulsan has become public and even reported, coach Klinsman and staff are aware of the incident. There is no decision at the association level regarding future disciplinary action.”
Meanwhile, Jeonbuk, where Sasalak was a member, expressed an anti-racism message through the club’s social media. Jeonbuk announced with the phrase ‘NO ROOM FOR RASICM’, “Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC opposes racial discrimination.” /