**South Korean football star Ji So‑yun seeks to move on from referee controversy ahead of Asian Games**
*Cheonan, South Korea* – South Korea’s leading women’s footballer, Ji So‑yun, said on Monday that she wants to put aside a recent controversy involving a referee’s alleged remark and focus on the country’s upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
Ji, 35, addressed the issue at the start of the national team’s training camp at Korea Football Park in Cheonan, about 90 km south of Seoul. She said she was upset by comments made by WK League referee Bae Sun‑young during a match two weeks earlier in which Ji’s club, Suwon FC Women, played.
According to Ji, Bae allegedly told another official, “She has been sensitive from early on. She must be on her period.” Ji said the remark was directed at her. Bae has denied using the word “period” and claims she did not refer to any particular player.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) has opened disciplinary proceedings against Bae. The Korea Pro‑Footballers Association said that Bae explained to Ji that the words were intended for all players on the pitch, not just Ji. Ji said she had met with Bae and a senior KFA official, who apologized in person, but she stated that she had not accepted the apology, feeling it was more an explanation than a genuine apology.
Ji said, “As a player, I had no idea this issue would become so big. My heart is so heavy. What is wrong is wrong. But I hope that this incident will help create more respect and consideration between referees and players. I really hope that something like this never happens to another player. To ensure that, education and communication must improve.”
Ji, who has 176 caps and 75 goals for South Korea – the most by any Korean player, male or female – said her stature in the game allowed her to confront Bae, although she received a yellow card for arguing. “A younger player probably would not have been able to say anything in response,” she added.
Ji also noted that she has played professionally in Japan, England and the United States, and that “anybody can make mistakes. I just hope a mistake like this will not be repeated.”
The controversy comes as South Korea prepares to compete for its first Asian Games gold medal in women’s football. Ji said she is trying not to dwell on the incident and is focusing on the team’s goal. “As a veteran of the team, I am trying not to dwell on this. I just want to look at the Asian Games going forward,” she said.
Article and image source: koreaherald.com
