‘Gold Medal → Discharge Cap Ceremony Controversy’ 19-Year-Old Park Seung-soo Posts Direct Apology: “Not a Mockery of Military Service Obligation” [Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games]

*This content was translated by AI.

Park Seung-soo (19, Newcastle United), who sparked controversy by posting a photo of his so-called “discharge cap ceremony” after winning a gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games men’s football tournament, has issued an official apology.

On the 4th, Park posted an apology statement on his personal social media (SNS), saying, “I would like to apologize to fans regarding the photo I posted on SNS immediately after the final,” and added, “I sincerely apologize to those who felt discomfort due to my actions.”

The South Korean national team, led by coach Lee Min-seong, achieved its first-ever four consecutive titles in tournament history by defeating Japan 1-0 in the final on the 3rd.

However, a fierce backlash erupted after Park posted a photo on SNS wearing a military discharge cap handed to him from the stands immediately after the victory. Criticism poured in that he had trivialized the meaning of the gold medal earned while wearing the national emblem and caricatured the obligation of military service as a tool for receiving military service benefits.

Following captain Lee Ki-hyuk’s remark, “I am not going to the army,” and the controversy over Yang Min-hyuk’s interview regarding military service benefits, Park Seung-soo’s discharge cap photo compounded the issues, causing public opinion toward the national football team to deteriorate rapidly.

As the controversy spread, Park explained the situation at the time in a lengthy post. He stated, “Immediately after the match ended, I received and wore a hat given to me by a fan on site,” explaining, “The joy and overwhelming feeling of winning a gold medal as a result of the time and effort I had prepared for were so great that, in that moment, I took a photo without deeply considering the meaning of the hat and posted it on SNS.”

He further emphasized, “I never intended to mock those fulfilling their military service obligation or to take their hardships lightly. I have also never taken the meaning of the national emblem lightly, not even once.”

Finally, Park stated, “I am well aware that the opportunities and benefits granted by this gold medal are by no means a matter of course,” adding, “Going forward, I will show a more responsible attitude to live up to the support and expectations of the people. I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt discomfort due to my impulsive actions.”

Hello. I am Park Seung-soo, a member of the Asian Games football national team.

I would like to apologize to fans regarding the photo I posted on SNS immediately after the final. I sincerely apologize to those who felt discomfort due to my actions.

Immediately after the match ended, I received and wore a hat given to me by a fan on site. The joy and overwhelming feeling of winning a gold medal as a result of the time and effort I had prepared for were so great that, in that moment, I took a photo without deeply considering the meaning of the hat and posted it on SNS.

However, I never intended to mock those fulfilling their military service obligation or to take their hardships lightly. I have also never taken the meaning of the national emblem lightly, not even once.

I am well aware that the opportunities and benefits granted by this gold medal are by no means a matter of course. Going forward, I will show a more responsible attitude to live up to the support and expectations of the people.

Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt discomfort due to my impulsive actions.

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*This content was translated by AI.