"Respond to Moon's Encouragement" Kim Yeon-kyung Interview Controversy... Volleyball Association Says "Should Be Seen as a Joke"

Criticism Floods Volleyball Association Bulletin Over Boasting About Reward Amount at Return Press Conference
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On the afternoon of the 9th, at the arrival hall of Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport, Kim Yeon-koung of the women's volleyball national team is answering questions from the press at the welcoming ceremony for the Republic of Korea delegation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The Korea Volleyball Association issued an explanation after controversy arose when Yu Ae-ja, the match supervisor and MC at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics women's volleyball team homecoming press conference, forced team captain Kim Yeon-koung to express gratitude toward President Moon Jae-in.

At the press conference held on the 9th, Supervisor Yu induced an unscheduled interview and made Kim Yeon-koung uncomfortable by forcing her to thank President Moon Jae-in and asking specific questions about the amount of prize money.

After the photo session, as Kim Yeon-koung was leaving, Yu called her back saying, "Please stay," and asked, "You know that our women's volleyball team advanced to the semifinals and the prize money prepared is the highest ever, right?" Kim Yeon-koung replied, "I know," and tried to move on, but Yu asked again, "Roughly how much?"

When Kim Yeon-koung said, "Isn't it 600 million won?" Yu replied, "This time, Chairman Cho Won-tae of the Korea Volleyball Federation contributed 200 million won, Chairman Cho Yong-byeong of Shinhan Financial Group, who supports the national volleyball team, gave 200 million won, and Chairman Oh Han-nam of the Korea Volleyball Association also gave 200 million won. Along with this, the Korean Sports Council will probably provide a lot of encouragement money," pressuring her to express thanks.

Yu's rude attitude did not stop there. He said, "President Moon Jae-in praised the women's volleyball players by calling out each player's name and especially gave separate encouragement to Kim Yeon-koung, saying she impressed the public. Did you respond to that?"

Kim Yeon-koung answered, "I am very grateful for the many kind words and hope for more expectations and interest in the future."

However, Yu said, "Yes, today is the opportunity and occasion to express (your gratitude)," forcing her to say more. Kim Yeon-koung said, "I already did just now," but Yu ignored her and urged, "Yes, one more time."

Eventually, when Kim Yeon-koung said, "Thank you," Yu responded, "That's right."

Photo by Korea Volleyball Association, Free Board Capture

After the incident, the Korea Volleyball Association's bulletin board was flooded with angry fans' protest messages.

One netizen wrote, "Watching the questions and attitude was so terrible that I felt sorry for the player," adding, "If they treat Kim Yeon-koung, who is called a legend worldwide, like this, will volleyball kids ever emerge? It's time for the Volleyball Association to change. Apologize and improve this time."

Another netizen criticized, "It's a typical example of an old-fashioned person who takes credit without doing anything. The players did everything, so why does the association take credit? The 600 million won prize money is not all given to Kim Yeon-koung, and considering her annual salary, why take credit for that?"

Other netizens left comments such as, "Forcing a player who just finished a match to express thanks without even asking if she is okay," "Which fan wants to hear a thank-you from a player about prize money or presidential encouragement?" and "Forcibly holding a player who just returned from an away game and making her say thank you?what a sight."

Supervisor Yoo Ae-ja is interviewing player Kim Yeon-kyung. Photo by YouTube NocutV video capture

Meanwhile, Yu Ae-ja, who conducted the press conference, won a bronze medal at the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and currently works as a match supervisor in professional volleyball games.

In response to the controversy, the Volleyball Association said, "It seems the MC's straightforward personality was fully exposed. There was no bad intention," and explained, "It was not forcing gratitude toward the president but there was a possibility of misunderstanding in the way it was expressed."

They added, "The questions should be seen as jokes and not as an attempt to highlight something greatly," and explained, "(The press conference questions) were never meant to take credit for the Volleyball Association or Federation. It was a way to express gratitude to Shinhan Financial Group, which provided unexpected sponsorship."

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