Chinese Commentator Replaced After Referencing 'Korean War Hero' During Broadcast

A former Chinese professional football player turned commentator was abruptly removed from his broadcasting duties during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after mentioning a "Chinese military hero" from the Korean War, local media including Hong Kong's Ming Pao reported on June 20.

Li Yi (47), who was serving as a commentator for the World Cup on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, was covering the match between Austria and Jordan on June 17.

Around the 34th minute of the first half, while describing a situation where an Austrian defender blocked a shot from a Jordanian player with his body, Li remarked, "It's like Huang Jiguang blocking the gun muzzle." He was removed from the commentary team immediately after the first half ended.

Huang Jiguang (1931–1952), whom Li mentioned, was a communications soldier in the Chinese People's Volunteer Army who participated in the Korean War and was killed in action during the Battle of Triangle Hill in Cheorwon in October 1952.

According to Chinese records, Huang sacrificed himself by blocking two U.S. military machine guns that were attacking the main Chinese force.

China bestowed the title of "Special Class Hero" upon the fallen soldier.

The anecdote of Huang throwing his body to block a gun muzzle has been heavily promoted by the authorities, and he is still recognized as one of China's most prominent martyrs.

Ming Pao explained that while such metaphors were not uncommon in games or sports in the past, it has become rare for "heroes" like Huang to be mentioned in metaphors during live broadcasts since the enactment of the "Heroes and Martyrs Protection Law" in 2018.

However, local media reported that Li has not been subjected to a total ban on his appearances.

Some Chinese netizens have commented that Li's remarks were intended to praise the Austrian player's performance and that he had no intention of being disrespectful.

Other netizens reacted by questioning whether this was a case of "literary inquisition," a term used to describe the punishment of individuals for criticizing the regime.

Li, a former member of the Chinese national football team, is also known in South Korea as the person involved in the "Eul-yong Ta" incident during the 2003 East Asian Football Championship, where he was struck on the back of the head by South Korea's Lee Eul-yong after kicking the latter's ankle.
 
(Photo: Weibo capture, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.