"Express Gratitude to Moon" Interview Forcing Kim Yeon-kyung to Greet Draws Backlash

On the afternoon of the 9th, at the arrival hall of Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport, Kim Yeon-koung of the women's volleyball team is answering questions from the press at the welcoming ceremony for the South Korean delegation to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] The South Korean women's volleyball team, which moved fans by reaching the semifinals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, returned home on the 9th, but controversy arose over the press conference held that day. The moderator repeatedly asked player Kim Yeon-koung about the prize money and urged her to express gratitude to President Moon Jae-in, which was criticized as rude.

At the press conference held at Incheon International Airport on the 9th, Yoo Ae-ja, the game supervisor (Korea Volleyball Federation Game Operations Committee), who was moderating the women's volleyball team press conference, called back Kim Yeon-koung, who was leaving after the group photo, saying "Please stay."

During the solo press conference with Kim, Supervisor Yoo said, "You know that the prize money prepared this time for reaching the women's volleyball semifinals is the highest ever," specifically mentioning Korea Volleyball Federation President Cho Won-tae, Shinhan Financial Group Chairman Cho Yong-byeong, and Korea Volleyball Association President Oh Han-nam, who supported the prize money, and added, "A lot of encouragement funds are pouring in. Please express your thanks."

On the afternoon of the 9th, at the arrival hall of Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport, the women's volleyball team players are taking a commemorative photo at the welcoming ceremony for the Republic of Korea delegation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response, Kim said, "It was possible because many people helped and supported us like this," and "I want to express my gratitude to the Volleyball Association and Shinhan Financial Group."

After all the questions were finished, Supervisor Yoo mentioned 'President Moon Jae-in' and asked Kim, "President Moon Jae-in called out each of our women's volleyball players by name and encouraged them regarding their performance. Did you respond to that?"

Kim replied, "I am very grateful and hope for more expectations and interest in the future," to which Supervisor Yoo said, "Yes, today is the opportunity and occasion to express (your gratitude) about that," demanding Kim to give thanks to President Moon. Kim said, "Didn't I just do that?" but Supervisor Yoo insisted, "One more time," forcing her to express thanks again. Eventually, Kim said once more, "Thank you," and Supervisor Yoo responded, "That's right."

Regarding this, some netizens who watched the press conference commented negatively, saying, "I felt sorry for the player because the questions and attitude were so miserable throughout," "It's time for the Volleyball Association to change, apologize, and improve," and "The players did everything, so why does the association take credit? How much does Kim Yeon-koung earn annually? Are they boasting with that?"

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