"Pouring Cold Water" "Not the Desired Color"... Citizens Ignore Performance-Focused Reporting

MBC Rude Remarks Spark "Can't Believe My Ears" Criticism from Citizens
Citizens Support Athletes Who Did Their Best Regardless of Medal Wins
Experts Say "It's Time to Rethink Medal-Focused Broadcasting"

O Juhan, who participated in the men's marathon at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is seen stopping during the race due to leg pain. Photo by SBS Broadcasting Screen Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] "It's like pouring cold water completely," "It's not the color of the medal we wanted..."

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which opened on the 23rd of last month, concluded after a 17-day journey. Regardless of the results, the efforts of the athletes who gave their best in every match gave hope, passion, and inspiration to many citizens going through difficult times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some commentators caused controversy with inappropriate remarks, including rude comments toward athletes. MBC even had its president personally apologize after using photos and subtitles that seemed to disparage other countries.

On the other hand, citizens have been unwavering in their support for the athletes who worked hard, regardless of whether they won medals. Some say that many citizens feel skeptical about the medal- and performance-centered Olympic broadcasts. Experts suggest that it is time to consider commentary that aligns with the public’s thoughts and sensitivities.

On the closing day of the Tokyo Olympics, the 8th, MBC once again faced criticism for a verbal slip during the broadcast of the men's marathon. When Oh Juhan, a naturalized marathoner originally from Kenya, withdrew due to thigh pain, commentator Yoon Yeo-chun sighed and said, "It's like pouring cold water completely. How could this happen?"

Commentator Yoon continued, "I confidently assured that Oh Juhan would aim for a medal once again in this Olympics, following Lee Bong-ju’s silver and Hwang Young-jo’s gold," adding, "I had high expectations, so it’s disappointing."

Viewers criticized the expression as inappropriate. Netizens responded with comments such as "The person who would feel the most regret is the athlete," "Don’t they care about the athlete’s health?" and "I couldn’t believe my ears," criticizing commentator Yoon’s remarks.

On the 6th, during the Tokyo Olympics women's volleyball semifinal between Korea and Brazil, Korean players are celebrating after scoring.
Photo by Yonhap News

There were other remarks that prioritized the 'color of the medal' over the athletes’ efforts. On the 26th, during the men's judo 73kg bronze medal match, An Changrim won the bronze by defeating his opponent, but the MBC caster said, "It’s not the color of the medal we wanted," drawing criticism. Comments such as "The broadcast style obsessed with medal colors is still outdated" and "Is only the gold medal a medal?" poured in.

MBC had previously faced criticism multiple times during the Tokyo Olympics broadcasts. During the opening ceremony, when introducing the Ukrainian team, they used a photo of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and during a men’s soccer match, they displayed a subtitle mocking the opposing team player who scored an own goal with "Thank you, Marin." Due to the series of rude broadcasts, MBC President Park Sung-je held a public apology press conference on the 26th of last month.

Contrary to the broadcast style emphasizing results and medals, citizens have been generous in supporting athletes who give their best and enjoy the game itself. For example, the women’s volleyball team finished fourth and failed to win a medal, but their mutual support and refusal to give up despite injuries deeply moved the public.

On the 27th of last month, in the women's taekwondo over 67kg final at the Tokyo Olympics, Korean athlete Lee Da-bin raised her thumb after losing to Serbia's Milica Mandi?. Photo by Yonhap News

In the women’s taekwondo over 67kg final, Lee Da-bin, who won the silver medal, was praised for showing a fair play spirit that shone brighter than the medal by giving a thumbs-up to her opponent who defeated her. In a post-match interview, Lee Da-bin said, "There is sadness in defeat, but winning the silver medal is also something to celebrate." In the men’s taekwondo 68kg bronze medal match, Lee Dae-hoon also showed respect to his opponent who defeated him by giving a thumbs-up.

Park, a 20-something office worker, said, "Regardless of the medals, I felt proud watching athletes accept the results and show respect to their opponents," adding, "It was a touching and happy 17 days watching athletes with dignified manners and enjoying the competition itself."

Experts diagnose that it is time to consider commentary that matches the public’s thoughts and sensitivities.

Cultural critic Jung Deok-hyun analyzed, "Some recent controversial broadcasts seem unable to keep up with the public’s sensitivities. There must have been a traditional way of broadcasting that was accepted uncritically," adding, "In the past, people watched the Olympics focusing on national rivalry and ranking competition, but recently the perspective has changed. The public now focuses more on the athletes rather than the country, and on the effort made rather than the gold medal itself."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.