"Eat Korea!" Taiwan's representative, who played with a mixed-race player, apologized suddenly, saying, "It's not a rude intention → It's a beauty joke..."

*This content was translated by AI.

Taiwan's national infielder Li Hao-yu (23, minor under the Detroit Tigers), who was embroiled in a "controversy over disparaging Korea" due to a conversation with fellow Korean Jamai Jones (29) during the spring camp, spoke directly. He expressed his sincere apology, emphasizing that his actions were by no means rude to Koreans.

According to the SNS of Evan Woodbury, a reporter from M Live who is in charge of the Tigers' club on the 17th (Korea Standard Time), Ri Hao-yu explained his "FXXK KOREA" remarks in a recent interview.

"I want to convey it directly in English," Li Hao-yu said, explaining that "American culture tends to find it fun to exchange jokes with each other," and that it originated from a light prank with Jones at the time.

Prior to this, Detroit News' Chris McCowski said on the 15th that "Rihaowi made a comment that 'FXXK KOREA' to Jones, who will meet at the World Baseball Classic (WBC)." It seemed to have been delivered in a pleasant atmosphere, but controversy arose as it was turned into an abusive language toward the other country.

But the happening didn't last long. Li acknowledged that he overlooked the specificity of Asian culture. "I understand how important it is to respect and respect each other in Asian culture," Li Hao-yu said. "My actions were never directed at Koreans."

Ri Hao-yu then said, "If anyone felt disrespected due to my actions, I sincerely apologize. He bowed his head, saying, "I had no intention of doing that." It is explained that the controversial remarks or gestures were not aimed at disparaging a specific country, but were "cultural differences" that occurred in the process of getting used to American baseball culture.

Ri Hao-yu concluded the interview by saying, "I look forward to playing a good game against (Jones) on the field," expressing his willingness to clear up misunderstandings and restore sportsmanship.

Ri's remarks immediately became a hot topic among local reporters. Reporter Evan Woodbury, who delivered an apology message, said, "Rihao Yu answered in English himself and tried to correct the misunderstanding. It was just a light joke from what I witnessed firsthand. I didn't have any serious intentions at all, so I hope it will be widely known to fans in Korea," he added.

In the end, the controversy seems to be ending with an incident that occurred when a light "trash talk" between colleagues was unintentionally seen as a derogatory statement in the process of translation and delivery. In particular, the controversy is expected to ease as Li Hao-yu politely bowed his head in respect of the sentiment of Asian cultures. Reporter Woodbury also searched for Li Hao-yu in Korean and showed a list of articles, emphasizing that it was not this intention at all.

Meanwhile, Ri is currently considered a key infield prospect in the minor leagues under the Detroit Tigers and is aiming to be promoted to the major leagues in the upcoming season. Baseball is paying attention to whether it will be able to show true sportsmanship with Jones at the WBC in March after overcoming the controversy.

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*This content was translated by AI.