Chairman Chung Eui-sun Supports Seon Ansan Amid 'Feminist Controversy' with One Word: "I Believe"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Jeong Ui-seon, chairman of the Korea Archery Association and the 'pillar' of Korean archery, took on the role of the athletes' 'mental pillar' at the Tokyo Olympics.

On the 30th, An San won the women's individual archery final at the Yumenoshima Park Archery Field in Tokyo, Japan, defeating Yelena Osipova (Russian Olympic Committee) in a shoot-off to claim her third gold medal.

Prior to this, An San had won two gold medals in the mixed team and women's team events but faced public criticism.

Some claimed that An San was a feminist due to expressions she had posted on social media (SNS) in the past and her hairstyle. There were strong voices criticizing her for using misogynistic words. In response, a movement arose to protect An San. Thousands of related posts were uploaded on the Korea Archery Association's website free board.

At around 6:30 a.m. that day, Chairman Jeong sent a text message to Vice Chairman Jang Young-sul asking if it would be okay to contact An San and whether it might add any burden. When Vice Chairman Jang replied, "It should be fine," Chairman Jeong called An San and encouraged her, saying, "I believe in you, so do well in the competition."

After the awards ceremony, An San said in the mixed zone, "The chairman's words helped me," and added, "After receiving the chairman's call in the morning, I was able to come to the stadium with a light heart."

Chairman Jeong also comforted Kang Chae-young (Hyundai Mobis), who cried after being eliminated in the quarterfinals that day.

To Kim Je-deok (Gyeongbuk Ilgo), who was eliminated early in the round of 32 in the individual event after winning two gold medals in the mixed and men's team events, he said, "Winning two gold medals at seventeen is an incredible achievement. From now on, study not only archery but also English. KBS World Radio is good for studying English," offering words of encouragement like an 'uncle.'

Since the women's team event on the 25th, Chairman Jeong has been supporting from the stands at Yumenoshima Park Archery Field, cheering alongside the Archery Association and national team officials. Also the president of the Asian Archery Federation, he reportedly refused to stay in the air-conditioned VIP lounge and instead endured the scorching sun, moving only between the stands and the athletes' training area. Hyundai Motor Group, led by Chairman Jeong, supports the Archery Association with 3 to 4 billion won annually.