[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, promised to actively support archer An San (female), a South Korean Olympic representative, amid feminist controversies, stating that he opposes "the achievements of sweat and effort being overlaid with discriminatory language."
On the 29th, Governor Lee tweeted, "Thank you, An San, who has deeply moved the people," and stated, "We reject all discrimination and hatred in our society based on gender, appearance, region, age, religion, and so on."
He added, "I oppose the achievements of sweat and effort being overlaid with discriminatory language," and "I will cheer for the remaining (Olympic) individual events together with the people."
Previously, An San rose to prominence as a "two-time gold medal archery hero" by winning gold medals in the mixed team and women's team archery events. During this process, posts appeared on male-oriented online communities criticizing An San's short "short-cut" hairstyle, sparking feminist controversies.
In particular, these critics have been leaving "malicious comments" targeting An San based on certain expressions she wrote on Instagram in the past, causing the situation to escalate significantly.
In response, citizens have been posting messages on the Korea Archery Association's website free board, urging the association and government to protect An San.
They called for a firm response to the violence against An San and demanded protection for her, labeling the situation as clear witch-hunting, cyber violence, and terrorism.
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