"Cannot Say I Received an Apology... Let's Have Respect and Consideration"

[Anchor]

Ji So-yeon, the star player of South Korea's women's national football team who recently suffered sexually harassing remarks from a referee, has once again spoken out to condemn the incident. She also pointed out that the referee's apology felt more like an excuse, urging for mutual respect and consideration.

Reporter Ha Seong-nyong has the story.

[Reporter]

Ji So-yeon, who recently brought to light the sexually harassing remarks made by a referee during a WK League match, did not shy away from questions regarding the incident on the first day of the national team's gathering.

In particular, she expressed her discomfort regarding the apology made by the referee who visited her club recently.

[Ji So-yeon/Midfielder, Women's National Football Team: I cannot say that I received an apology. It felt more like they were trying to offer some explanations, which I think made my heart feel even heavier.]

At the time, the referee reportedly explained that the remarks were not directed at Ji. However, Ji, who also serves as the president of the Korea Pro-Footballers Association, directly criticized that regardless of who the target was, the remarks were clearly wrong.

[Ji So-yeon/Midfielder, Women's National Football Team: If a young player had heard those words on the pitch, she probably wouldn't have been able to say anything. My hope is that this incident won't just end as one person's mistake, but rather serve as an opportunity to build a mindset of mutual respect and consideration between referees and players.]

At the same time, she stated that it is now time to focus on the Asian Games, taking the lead in creating a bright team atmosphere.

Having set the record as the youngest A-match scorer at the 2006 Doha Asian Games when she was 15 years old, and winning only bronze medals for three consecutive tournaments starting from 2010, Ji has set her sights higher for what is expected to be her final Asian Games.

[Ji So-yeon/Midfielder, Women's National Football Team: For my last time, I really have a strong desire to change the color of the medal.]

The final group stage match against North Korea is expected to be a critical turning point.

[Ji So-yeon/Midfielder, Women's National Football Team: We have to climb the mountain called North Korea, and it's going to come down to a battle of mental toughness.]

The national team will depart the day after tomorrow (the 10th) to prepare for their opening match against Myanmar.

(Video by Hwang In-seok | Video Editing by Ha Seong-won | Design by Kim Ye-ji)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.