Park Jae-hyuk is a seasoned journalist who has provided comprehensive coverage of South Korea's corporate dynamics, economic policies, industry challenges and the global positioning of Korean companies. Based on the articles he has written since joining The Korea Times in 2016, his investigative approach has helped readers understand corporate governance, economic trends and business strategies shaping South Korea’s economy.
Rio 2016: Racist gestures irk Olympic fans
A spectator in circle makes “slanted eyes” while cheering for South Korea at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador on Aug 5. / Courtesy of MBC
By Park Jae-hyuk
By Park Jae-hyuk
South Korean football fans became upset when a spectator allegedly abusing Asians was shown on TV as South Korea beat Fiji.
At the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador, Brazil, on Aug. 5, a man made “slanted eyes,” a Western gesture to make fun of Asians’ eyes.
Some regard the act as racially offensive.
South Koreans were even more embarrassed when they learned that the man was cheering for South Korea.
He was holding a national flag and wearing a red T-shirt just like South Korean fans.
Thomas Bouhail / Courtesy of YouTube
It is not the first time a supposedly racist act has caused controversy at the Olympics.
On Aug 8, French gymnastics commentator Thomas Bouhail referred to Japanese gymnasts as “Pikachu,” a yellow rat-like monster from the popular Japanese animation “Pokemon.”
French audiences pointed out that Bouhail’s words were offensive to Asians because the commentator compared the gymnasts’ skin color to that of the character.
The Superior Council of Audiovisual in France is investigating the issue.
A man in circle makes “slanted eyes” behind South Korean comedian Kim Je-dong at a London Olympics venue in 2012. / Courtesy of SBS
At the 2012 London Olympics, a spectator making slanted eyes behind South Korean entertainers was shown on TV, upsetting many South Koreans.