The Korea Professional Footballers Association (KPFA) has demanded strict action after Ji So-yeon (35, Suwon FC Women) reported being subjected to a sexually inappropriate comment by referee Bae Sun-young during a WK League match.
KPFA President Lee Geun-ho stated in a press release on August 31, "The referee, who should protect the players, instead caused irreparable humiliation to a specific player in front of all players from both teams. The use of a card to wield power in this manner is a horrific act that cannot be tolerated in any professional league worldwide."
KPFA Secretary General Kim Hoon-ki added, "Even players from the opposing team, Seoul City Hall, were shocked to hear the unbelievable comment from the referee. The urgent plea from players on the field is that a second or third incident like Ji So-yeon's could happen at any time."
The KPFA also called for a complete overhaul of the referee system. They insisted, "The current problematic and unqualified interim system must be halted immediately, and a new, transparent referee assignment body free from external interference or connections should be established. The referee involved in this incident should be removed from the field immediately."
They further urged that the matter be referred to the Korea Sports Council's Sports Fairness Committee for the highest level of disciplinary action.
This controversy arose during the WK League match between Suwon FC Women and Seoul City Hall on August 28 at Suwon Sports Complex.
According to reports, Ji So-yeon, who was the co-president of the KPFA at the time, protested after receiving a warning from referee Bae around the 30-minute mark of the first half. Bae allegedly made a comment via wireless communication suggesting, "She seems sensitive from the start. Maybe she's on her period." Ji So-yeon raised the issue after hearing the comment but was instead given a warning.
After the incident became public, Bae initially denied making the comment but later changed her stance, claiming, "It was something said among ourselves."
The KPFA reported that the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) is monitoring the situation, viewing it as a matter of gender violence and human rights violations. They plan to collaborate with FIFPRO to share relevant information with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
* This article has been translated by AI.
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