"There Are No Ambulances in Korea"...The Fate of a Japanese Woman Who Promoted Anti-Korean Sentiment

Marika Kobashi Attends Shin Korea Pro Wrestling Event
"Organizers Told Me 'No Ambulance Available'"
Wrestler's Claim Sparks Outrage in Japan... Anti-Korean Sentiments Rise
Representative Yoon: "Don't Block Korea-Japan Exchange with False Information"

Japanese female professional wrestler Kobashi Marika, who showed symptoms of a concussion after a pro wrestling match held in Korea, claimed that she did not receive proper emergency treatment, stating that the organizers told her "there are no ambulances in Korea."

Japanese female professional wrestler Kobashi Marika. The photo on the right shows her recovering immediately after a concussion. [Photo by Kobashi Marika X Galmuri]

On the 1st, Japanese female pro wrestler Kobashi Marika (21) posted on her social media (SNS), "I did not receive proper treatment when I had an accident at a Korean pro wrestling match," and announced, "I will relinquish the championship title." Earlier, on the 31st of last month, Kobashi participated in the main event title match at the '34th Shin Korea Pro Wrestling' held in Gimpo City and won. However, Kobashi experienced concussion symptoms due to an accident during the match and was seen barely finishing her victory speech while tearful.

Kobashi criticized the organizers' inadequate response at the time. She claimed, "When I requested an ambulance, I was told, 'There are no ambulances in Korea,'" and added, "Then I asked to be taken to the hospital by car, but they refused, saying, 'We have to see off the guests.'" She continued, "I judged that such a response in an emergency situation was inappropriate," and said, "I have decided that I cannot compete again in the Shin Korea Pro Wrestling ring, so I want to relinquish the 3rd generation Shin Korea Pro Wrestling title."

Additionally, Kobashi expressed, "I want to deeply thank the wrestler who was on site," and added, "They held my head steady with their knee and gave precise instructions while waiting for the ambulance. I don't know how reassuring that presence was."

Following Kobashi's claims, Japanese media outlets released a series of articles criticizing the organizers' safety management system. Some netizens who saw this expressed anti-Korean sentiments.

Representative Yoon: "After calling 119, the athlete was transported by ambulance... All medical expenses were also paid"

Marika Kobashi, who competed against Seraphim in the Shin Korea Pro Wrestling match.
[Photo by Kangcheol Yoon, CEO of Shin Korea Pro Wrestling, Instagram]

As the controversy grew uncontrollably, Yoon Gang-cheol, representative of Shin Korea Pro Wrestling, refuted on the 2nd, saying, "After the accident, we called 119 and transported the athlete by ambulance," and added, "A player affiliated with the association who could communicate with the Japanese athlete was also on board the ambulance."

He continued, "She was moved to the emergency room of Gimpo Woori Hospital, discharged following a CT scan and doctor's instructions, and all medical expenses were settled. We also escorted her to the airport the next day to assist with her departure," and criticized, "While in the ambulance, Marika took selfies and uploaded them on SNS, which was difficult to understand. I believe false information should not dampen the exchange between Korean and Japanese pro wrestling."

After Yoon's statement, Kobashi responded, "I apologize for speaking based on incorrect information. I will correct it quickly," but also insisted, "The statement that 'there are no ambulances in Korea' was something I heard from someone else, not from Representative Yoon or any officials." She added, "Although it took some time for the ambulance to arrive, after hearing the incident details, I am grateful for their best efforts," and explained, "I recorded the video because I was prepared to face death in an unfamiliar country and wanted to leave evidence of the final situation." Kobashi also said, "I hope the Korea-Japan relationship is not mentioned," and added, "The only issues I am raising are with Shin Korea Pro Wrestling and my health."

Meanwhile, Kobashi Marika debuted on May 23, 2015, at the Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling Kitazawa Town Hall event and has continued her activities steadily. Her major career achievements include one reign as Ironman Heavymetalweight Champion and one reign as Tokyo Princess Tag Team Champion.