Women's national football team midfielder Ji So-yun (35, Suwon FC Women), who revealed that she heard an inappropriate remark from a female referee during a club match, pointed out that the incident was clearly wrong and expressed hope that it will serve as an opportunity to foster mutual respect and consideration between referees and players.

Speaking to reporters prior to entering training for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games women's football national team at the Korea Football Park in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, on the 7th, Ji shared her position on the recent controversy surrounding the referee's sexually suggestive remarks.

The controversy arose during the 22nd round of the 2026 WK League between Suwon FC Women and Seoul City Hall held on August 28, when a female referee used the expression "girl's day," a slang term referring to menstruation, in reference to Ji, while making remarks suggesting that she was being "sensitive."

At the time, the referee in charge explained that "the remark was not directed at a specific player, but was a conversation between referees."

Regarding the matter, Ji hesitantly opened up, saying, "As a player, I didn't expect things to blow up like this," adding, "My heart is very heavy."

However, she emphasized, "What is wrong is wrong," and stated, "It is my hope that this incident does not just end with one person's mistake, but becomes an opportunity to create a culture of mutual respect and consideration between referees and players."

She added, "I really hope that an incident like the one I experienced never happens to other players again. To prevent that, I sincerely hope education, communication methods, and systems will be improved."

Recalling the situation, Ji said, "If a young player had heard those words on the pitch, she probably wouldn't have been able to say anything," adding, "Even for me, having played in many countries and leagues, it was the first time I had ever heard such a remark, so I was very flustered."

She continued, "Anyone can make a mistake, and my hope is that such a mistake is never repeated."

Recently, the acting chairperson of the Korea Football Association Referee Committee reportedly visited the Suwon FC club along with the referee in question regarding this issue.

The Korea Pro-Football Players Association stated through a press release that day, "It was confirmed that the explanation given during this visit was to the effect that the referee's remark was not directed at player Ji So-yun personally, but rather at all players on the pitch at the time."

The association criticized the explanation, stating, "Rather than resolving the situation, this explanation has raised further concerns regarding the Referee Committee's perception of this issue."

Expressing her regret, Ji also commented on this, saying, "I met them because they said they came to apologize. But to be honest, I cannot say I received an apology."

She conveyed, "It felt more like they were offering an explanation rather than an apology, which made my heart even heavier."

Despite suffering emotional distress ahead of the Asian Games—which will be her sixth and potentially her last—Ji, as a pillar of South Korean women's football, remains determined to prepare thoroughly for the matches without any shortcomings.

Pulling her resolve together, Ji said, "As a veteran of the team, I try not to dwell on it too much," adding, "Now, I want to look ahead and focus solely on the Asian Games."

(Photo: Yonhap News)