Oh-gu Play 'Caddie Blame-Shifting Controversy': Yoon Ina Finally Issues Formal Apology, "My Expression Was Not Careful Enough"

*This content was translated by AI.

Yoon Ina (23, Solare), who was previously disciplined for an Oh-gu Play incident, has issued a formal apology regarding a recent controversy over blame-shifting that emerged during an interview with overseas media.

Yoon Ina's management company, Semasports Marketing, stated in an official press release on the 30th, "During an interview conducted ahead of the final round of the Chevron Championship on the 24th, our expression was not sufficiently careful. We sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt by those remarks."

The controversy began when the content of an interview Yoon Ina gave to the U.S. publication Golfweek was made public. Recalling the Oh-gu Play incident that occurred in 2022, Yoon Ina said, "At the time, the caddie just told me to hit it. I should not have listened, but I did not."

Yoon Ina further remarked, expressing regret that "people believed the caddie's words, and that became the accepted fact at the time." Consequently, criticism arose that Yoon Ina's remarks were essentially shifting the blame onto the caddie.

In response, Semasports Marketing explained, "We clearly recognize that in any situation, the responsibility lies with the player herself. We want to make it clear that we never intended to shift that responsibility to anyone else."

Yoon Ina also stated through her agency, "In the tense situation immediately after the match, my explanation was not sufficiently careful. I have once again deeply realized that my words and actions can have a significant impact. Going forward, I will approach every moment with greater care and a more mature attitude."

Previously, in the first round of the 36th DB Group Korea Women's Open Golf Championship in 2022, Yoon Ina played with a ball that was not her own (Oh-gu Play) and concealed the incident for nearly a month before competing, causing a major scandal. As a result, she received severe penalties of a three-year suspension from both the Korea Golf Association (KGA) and the KLPGA.

However, following sincere reflection, social service, and donations of prize money, the KGA reduced the suspension period to one year and six months, and the KLPGA also lightened its penalty, allowing her to return to the tour early.

Nevertheless, this interview controversy that erupted while Yoon Ina continued her activities after returning to the tour once again disappointed fans who had hoped for genuine remorse.

Semasports Marketing promised to prevent recurrence, stating, "We will manage the player more carefully to ensure she grows in the right direction and will support her with a responsible attitude."

Despite showcasing excellent skills, such as tying for fourth place in the recent major Chevron Championship, Yoon Ina found herself once again at the center of criticism due to her careless words and actions.

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*This content was translated by AI.