Kim Yeon-kyung's 'Moon Appreciation Coercion' Critic Yoo Ae-ja Resigns as Volleyball Association Vice Chairman

On the 9th, Inspector Yoo Ae-ja is interviewing player Kim Yeon-kyung at Incheon International Airport. / Photo by YouTube NocutV video capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Yoo Ae-ja, the Public Relations Committee member of the Korea Volleyball Association, who caused controversy with a rude interview demanding volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung to express gratitude towards President Moon Jae-in during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics women's volleyball team’s return press conference, has resigned.

On the 12th, Yoo posted an apology on the Korea Volleyball Association’s website, stating, "On August 9th, during the return interview of the women's volleyball team, it was a moment to encourage the players' efforts and express gratitude to the fans, but I conducted the process inconsiderately and forcefully, causing concern to the fans who love and cherish volleyball. I sincerely bow my head and apologize."

She continued, "Feeling the heavy responsibility for the situation, I resign from my position as the Public Relations Committee member of the Korea Volleyball Association and will take time to reflect deeply and restrain myself."

On the same day, Oh Han-nam, president of the Korea Volleyball Association, also posted an apology on the association’s website, saying, "I deeply apologize to the volleyball fans and the public who love and cherish volleyball for the incident that occurred during the media interview at the airport with the women's volleyball team returning from the Tokyo Olympics."

Yu Ae-ja, Public Relations Committee Member of the Korea Volleyball Association, apologized and announced her intention to resign regarding the disrespectful interview conducted with player Kim Yeon-koung. Photo by Korea Volleyball Association website capture

He added, "It was a moment to convey the environment of the beloved women's team and the questions from the public through Kim Yeon-koung’s interview. However, there were rude expressions repeatedly emphasizing the prize money given to the players and the encouragement message from President Moon Jae-in."

President Oh stated, "I sincerely say that there was no political intention involved," and promised, "We will do our utmost to prevent such incidents from happening again."

Earlier, on the 9th, Yoo Ae-ja conducted a rude interview with Kim Yeon-koung, who returned after the Olympics, asking about the specific amount of the women's volleyball prize money and repeatedly demanding a thank-you message towards President Moon Jae-in, which drew criticism from netizens.

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