National archer Jang Chae-hwan posts far-right messages on social media
National archer Jang Chae-hwan poses with his bow and arrow. Courtesy of Korea Archery Association
Archery association to hold fairness committee meeting later this month or early next
National archery team member Jang Chae-hwan, who earlier drew criticism for posting claims of election rigging, is facing further scrutiny after more far-right posts on his personal social media accounts came to light.
According to archery officials on Wednesday, Jang, who represents Sasang District Office, Busan, shared a series of disparaging remarks about President Lee Jae Myung and reposted conspiracy theories about the June 3 presidential election shortly after the vote.
In one post, Jang mocked Lee using derogatory internet slang and commented on a news article reporting that the United States had placed Korea back on its currency monitoring list.
He wrote, “Waiting for a call from Trump the emperor, but if someone else calls, what should I do? Please send congratulations before I get reported to the democratic police station.” The post appeared to ridicule the fact that Lee and former U.S. President Donald Trump had not yet spoken by phone, a call that took place later that evening.
Jang also reposted a fabricated presidential election tally, alleging manipulation between early and regular voting.
He captioned it, “I saw this nonsense during early voting but didn’t take it seriously. Where are you?” He also shared CCTV footage from a ballot-counting site, suggesting tampering. He wrote: “Do the ballots have shape memory alloy? Why are they so stiff? Too transparent, election commission ^^.”
Previously, Jang had posted statements such as “China = early voting rigging = Jeolla Province = election commission collaboration. Welcome North Korea, thank you China, don’t leave U.S. Forces Korea …” He also uploaded a photo at a polling station with the caption, “No rigging in regular voting, stop communism, let’s normalize the abnormal.”
Jang Chae-hwan posts a CCTV capture from a ballot-counting site on his social media, alleging election fraud. Captured from his Instagram
The revelations that Jang consistently uploaded such content are expected to weigh heavily on upcoming disciplinary measures.
He has since apologized. “I am deeply sorry for causing criticism of the Korea Archery Association, the national team, and my club,” he said. However, he added that as a “second-tier representative, not a first-tier one, I did not consider myself a public figure,” fueling further backlash.
The Korea Archery Association has referred the case to its Sports Fairness Committee, which will decide on possible sanctions. An association official said the committee, composed of eight members, will meet later this month or early next month.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.