"A shameful and disgraceful incident in Korea": Inappropriate remarks by a female referee toward Ji So-yun ultimately lead to international embarrassment

*This content was translated by AI.

Controversy erupted over inappropriate remarks made by a female referee toward Ji So-yun of Suwon FC Wimin during a WK League women's industrial soccer match, eventually spreading to overseas audiences via social media (SNS). This is truly an international embarrassment.

Bruno Mioto, a journalist of Brazilian origin who primarily works as an Asian football expert in Japan, reported on the 30th (Korean time), stating, "A shameful and disgraceful incident occurred in Korea." He added that he was enraged upon hearing that Ji So-yun had been told by referees that she might be "sensitive because she is menstruating."

Not only Mioto but also overseas media outlets, including those in Japan, are fully reporting the absurd incident involving Ji So-yun through local editions of domestic news organizations. Particularly since Ji So-yun has long been active in Japan, Japanese fans are also expressing their anger alongside her.

Previously, on the 28th of last month, Ji So-yun became furious after hearing inappropriate remarks from the head referee while protesting a call during a 2026 WK League match against Seoul City Hall at Suwon Sports Complex. At the time, head referee Bae Seon-young made comments related to menstruation, suggesting that Ji So-yun was reacting too sensitively to the officiating decisions.

Initial media reports indicated the remarks were "sensitive" or "must be her period," but according to the Korea Football Association and the Korea Women's Football Association, the referee used the euphemism "Girl's Day" instead of directly mentioning menstruation.

Referee Bae Seon-young initially denied making such remarks in response to Ji So-yun's protest but was later reported to have changed her story, claiming it was "something we (the referees) discussed among ourselves." Regardless of the exact wording used, it is undeniable that the referee made comments linking Ji So-yun's repeated protests over officiating decisions to menstruation.

In response, the Korean Professional Football Players Association issued a statement on the 31st, declaring, "This is not merely a dispute over refereeing decisions but a serious human rights violation that occurred on the field and an abuse of power by the referee. We call for measures to prevent recurrence." The association also demanded the removal of the referee in question. The Korea Women's Football Association has requested the Korea Football Association's Referee Operations Team to verify the facts and propose follow-up actions.

WK League referees, like those in other leagues such as K League, are ultimately under the management and operational responsibility of the Korea Football Association. Notably, referee Bae Seon-young had previously received the Female Referee Excellence Award at the Korea Football Association's referee conference last year.

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*This content was translated by AI.