Comments that belittle a region made during a K League match are causing outrage among football fans.
On the 22nd, in the K League 1 Round 5 match held at the Gwangju World Cup Stadium, Gwangju FC faced Pohang Steelers. The match concluded with Pohang winning 3-2.
That day, the Pohang supporter group 'Ultras Levante,' which traveled to support the team, became the center of a 'regional belittlement' controversy due to inappropriate remarks left on social media.
Ultras Levante shared their journey to Gwangju on their official Instagram story, likening Gwangju to "overseas." Following the phrase "departure for overseas away match," they also posted after arriving in Gwangju, stating, "passed through overseas entry customs."
The problem is that such expressions transcend simple jokes and are used to mock specific regions, particularly in far-right communities. In some online communities, describing 'Gwangju as foreign' has often been used with pejorative intent, and this was perceived in the same context this time.
The post immediately drew backlash. Many football fans criticized Ultras Levante's behavior as "actions that incite regional sentiments." As the controversy spread, Ultras Levante quickly issued a statement and posted an apology.
They stated, "We shared content containing inappropriate remarks through our public account, causing displeasure for many. We should have been more cautious; however, we were not. We will not make excuses. We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable."
A Gwangju FC representative communicated with OSEN, stating, "We recognized the content by the Pohang cheering squad that belittled the club and the Gwangju region. However, since the Pohang supporters have apologized, we have no plans for further actions or movements."
[OSEN]