"Watch Your Words" VS "Just Answered Reporters" Debate
Explosive Popularity as Handsome Forward in Japan
Japanese Media: "Fell for Reporter's Leading Question... Likely No Malice"
On the afternoon of the 28th (local time), at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the second match of Group H in the 2022 Qatar World Cup between South Korea and Ghana, Cho Gue-sung celebrated after scoring the opening goal followed by an equalizing header. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] Japanese media expressed discomfort over comments made by South Korean national football team forward Jo Gyu-seong (24, Jeonbuk Hyundai) regarding Japan's advancement to the round of 16 in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
On the 3rd (local time), Jo Gyu-seong gave an interview after South Korea defeated Portugal 2-1 in the third group stage match of Group H at the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Jo said, "I came out with the determination to never be outmatched by the opponent," adding, "Not only I but also my teammates played with the same mindset, which led to this result."
◆ After beating Portugal 2-1 in Group H's third match: "Honestly, I was annoyed that Japan advanced"
At the end of the interview, when asked by a reporter whether the fact that Japan advanced to the round of 16 made him think "they are doing well, but also made me annoyed, and whether that influenced him," Jo replied, "Rather than thinking we must advance just because Japan did, honestly, I was annoyed that Japan advanced," adding, "We thought we absolutely had to advance (to the round of 16)."
Domestic fans showed mixed reactions to Jo Gyu-seong's remarks. On football-related online communities, netizens commented, "Since the two countries always have intense rivalries in sports matches, such remarks are understandable," "It was just an answer to the reporter's question," and "Even if asked such a question, it would have been better to answer differently."
Regarding Jo Gyu-seong's comments, the Japanese football specialized media Soccer Digest reported, "The South Korean forward, who seems to have the momentum to bring down flying birds at the Qatar World Cup, is once again involved in controversy."
Soccer Digest noted, "Jo Gyu-seong, who scored a multi-goal for the first time in South Korea's World Cup history against Ghana, is also explosively popular in Japan as a handsome forward," but criticized, "His remarks in the broadcast interview were inappropriate."
The media added, "It seems Jo was led by the reporter's suggestive question. He probably meant 'annoyed' in a sense close to jealousy without malice," and "The 24-year-old player has been causing various stirrings, including an argument with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal match."
◆ 2.31 million followers since the World Cup started
Jo Gyu-seong is undoubtedly the star of this World Cup. Although he entered the field as a substitute in the 30th minute of the second half in his first World Cup appearance and played for a short time, Jo attracted global football fans' attention with his handsome looks and outstanding skills. His Instagram followers, which were around 30,000 at the start of the first match, increased to 2.31 million as of 3 p.m. on the 5th. Notably, a Japanese TV program even created a segment focusing on Jo's appearance and aired it separately.
Meanwhile, Japan will face Croatia at 12 a.m. on the 6th at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar. South Korea will play against Brazil at 4 a.m. the same day in the round of 16. If both South Korea and Japan win, a Korea-Japan match will take place in the quarterfinals.
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