Photo complaint about weightlifter's abs escalates into profanity controversy

A weightlifter with the Pocheon City Government posts a photo of their abdomen on Instagram, which later became the subject of a citizen petition calling for disciplinary action. Captured from her Instagram feed

A female weightlifter with Pocheon City Government’s team has sparked controversy after responding with insults and mockery to a citizen complaint filed against her for posting a photo of her abdominal muscles on social media.

The athlete revealed on Aug. 26 that she was the subject of a petition demanding disciplinary action. She posted the details on her social media account, writing, “Even though we belong to City Hall, we’re just an athletic team, not treated as civil servants. The city doesn’t care about us.”

She then mocked the complainant, saying, “Capturing every photo to file a complaint must take some effort, XX,” and, “What business is it of yours? Must be some maladjusted ‘Young-Forty.’”

The slang term ridicules people in their 40s who act immature while believing themselves to be youthful or accomplished. She also included an obscene hand gesture emoji.

According to her post, the complaint was submitted through the national online petition system on Aug. 23 under the title, “Request for severe disciplinary action against Pocheon City Government weightlifter.”

The petitioner argued that the athlete was “posting photos in underwear on social media, which could damage the city’s image. Why does the city keep her under contract? I demand strict disciplinary action.” The petition was forwarded to the relevant city department on Aug. 25.

Online sentiment largely turned against the complainant. Comments such as “What’s wrong with an athlete showing abs?” and “It looks like normal sportswear, not underwear” dominated social media discussions.

Under Pocheon City’s regulations for its athletic teams, players must maintain "dignity," and violations can lead to penalties ranging from warnings to dismissal, depending on severity and intent.

Article 32 of the enforcement rules stipulates that athletes may be formally warned or cautioned for conduct that damages their professional reputation.

Observers say posting the abs photo itself is unlikely to constitute a violation, as the image was not overtly sexual. However, the athlete’s profanity-laced response to the complaint may be deemed “behavior damaging to the dignity of an athlete,” raising the possibility of disciplinary review by Pocheon City.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.