"Suwon Samsung's Choi Seong-geun Apologizes for 'Joseonjing Remarks': 'I Was Lacking and Thoughtless'"... Posts Apology Letter

K League Suwon Samsung's Choi Sung-geun posted on Instagram / Photo by Choi Sung-geun

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Sung-yeol] Choi Seong-geun (29), vice-captain of K League professional soccer team Suwon Samsung, apologized for using a derogatory expression against Koreans.

On the 3rd, Choi posted on his Instagram story a photo with his teammates Kim Min-woo and Jo Seong-jin, along with the phrase "Joseonjing, let's be happy."

Fans reacted strongly, saying it was a derogatory expression against Koreans.

The word "Joseonjing" is the Japanese pronunciation of "Joseonin" (Korean people). During the Japanese colonial period, Japanese people used this term to belittle and insult Koreans.

Photo by Choi Seong-geun, Instagram capture

In response, Choi Seong-geun posted an apology on the same day.

He stated, "Due to my lack of consideration and short-sightedness, I caused concern to everyone in a way that was different from my intention," and added, "I will be more careful and reflective going forward."

He also apologized, saying, "I am especially sorry for showing an unpleasant image to my teammates, club officials, and fans."