Amid Soccer Discord Rumors and Mockery... Seokyungdeok Says "We Must Uphold the National Team's Dignity"

After the 2023 Qatar Asian Cup, as foreign media repeatedly highlighted the conflicts among the national team players, Professor Seokyung Deok of Sungshin Women's University pointed out that "the dignity of the national team must be upheld."

On the 15th, Professor Seo stated on his Facebook, "Due to this Asian Cup, not only the association and the coach but also conflicts among the players have caused significant aftereffects," adding, "After the British daily 'The Sun' published an article, many foreign media outlets have launched intense criticism." He continued, "In particular, China's sohu.com has published quite a few mocking articles, such as reporting that 'even table tennis can strengthen unity.'

South Korea national football team players Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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Professor Seo said, "Since national team players represent the country, every move they make inevitably attracts attention both domestically and internationally," and pointed out, "After the Asian Cup, there was major controversy over Coach Klinsmann's lack of tactics and incompetence, but what angered football fans even more was Klinsmann's unilateral departure to the United States despite saying analysis should come first, showing a lack of basic qualifications and dignity as the national team coach."

Additionally, Professor Seo referred to the case at last year's Hangzhou Asian Games in China, where tennis national player Kwon Soon-woo was criticized for poor court manners after losing in the second round of men's singles, smashing his racket on the court floor and refusing to shake hands with his opponent. He said, "It was not because he lost the game, but because he lost the dignity expected of a national team player that he was severely criticized by domestic and international media."

Furthermore, Professor Seo emphasized, "This controversy should be taken as an opportunity to reconsider how important the qualifications and dignity of national team players are both internally and externally," and stressed, "Football fans want dignified national team coaches and players. I hope the association also undergoes a complete transformation through this opportunity."

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