Japanese 'Eoljjang' Badminton Star's Appeal: "I'm So Afraid Every Time I Go to China"

"Stalked Every Time I Compete in China"
"It's Been Over a Year... I Am Very Scared"

Japanese badminton star Chiharu Shida. X (formerly Twitter)

Japanese badminton star Chiharu Shida, known as the "Ulzzang athlete," confessed to being a victim of stalking and appealed to her Chinese fans to stop the stalking.

On the 8th, Shida (27) revealed on her Instagram, "I have been stalked every time I compete in China," adding, "It has been going on for over a year now. I am very scared."

Shida said, "I know not all fans are like this. I really like China and appreciate the support from the fans," but also urged, "Please stop stalking or any similar behavior immediately. If this situation continues, I think I will have to find a way to resolve it somehow."

Japanese badminton star Chiharu Shida. Shida Instagram

Earlier, Shida had also complained about "stalking and unwanted contact" at the 2023 China Masters tournament held in Shenzhen in November. At that time, she requested through social media posts to "keep distance and respect both sides."

Shida, who won a bronze medal in women's doubles at the Paris Olympics last year, has since gained tremendous popularity in China. Currently participating in the Asian Championships held in Ningbo, an eastern Chinese city, Shida has even earned the nickname "Badminton Goddess" from local media. Meanwhile, she has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the harm she experienced.