Gyeonggi-do, "Lost All Manners"… Lee Dong-gyeong's 'Bad Manners Controversy' for Refusing to Shake Hands with Opponent

After the game ended, Lee Dong-gyeong passed by ignoring Wood's request for a handshake. Photo by KBS broadcast screen capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Our Olympic soccer team, which lost its first match at the Olympics, has even been labeled as "unsportsmanlike."

The team suffered a shocking 0-1 defeat in the first group stage match of Group B at the Tokyo Olympics held on the 22nd at Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. They conceded a goal to New Zealand striker Chris Wood in the 25th minute of the second half and failed to equalize.

More disappointing than the match score was Lee Dong-gyeong’s refusal to shake hands with the opposing player. After the game ended, Wood approached Lee Dong-gyeong first and extended his hand, but Lee ignored it, causing Wood to show an awkward expression.

As this scene was broadcast, netizens raised a "lack of manners" controversy. They pointed out that no matter how disappointed one is with the match result, players should have shown sportsmanship to their opponents. Other players, though visibly shocked and bowing their heads after the defeat was confirmed, later left the stadium exchanging greetings with the opposing players.

In fact, Lee Dong-gyeong’s refusal to shake hands itself is not problematic. At the Tokyo Olympics, hugging, handshakes, and high-fives among players are prohibited to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, netizens criticize his rudeness in ignoring the opposing player, saying it goes against the Olympic spirit and condemn his unsportsmanlike behavior.

Meanwhile, with this defeat casting doubt on their advancement to the quarterfinals, Korea will play its second group stage match against Romania on the 25th.