What returned to Kim Min-jae, who showed fighting spirit despite injury, was racism.
Bayern Munich confirmed their early victory in the 2024-2025 Bundesliga season on the 5th (Korean time) after second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, who was chasing them, drew 2-2 with Freiburg. With 76 points, Bayern maintained the gap with Leverkusen, who stayed at 68 points, securing the championship regardless of the results of the remaining two matches.
Kim Min-jae showed fighting spirit despite difficult conditions. This season, Kim Min-jae has been dealing with an Achilles tendon injury for seven months but played through it. He recorded the second-most playing time in Munich. Kim Min-jae was also the defender who played the most in Munich. Kim Min-jae holds considerable equity in Bayern's victory.
What returned was clear racism. Bayern's social media shared a poster after the victory that included the faces of 13 key players. However, Kim Min-jae was uniquely excluded. There are suspicions of intentional racism. It is hard to see this as a mere mistake.
It is not only Korean fans who are angry. Fans from various countries who love Bayern are also enraged simultaneously. This is not the first time Germany has shown disdain and racism towards Tongyang people.
Fans commented, "Why is starting defender Kim not there? This is clearly racism," "It’s absurd that center-back Kim Min-jae is not in the victory poster," "I've heard that racism is severe in Germany, but I did not expect it to be to this extent," "Instead of being treated like this, Kim Min-jae should leave Bayern," causing a surge of comments.
The person in charge of Bayern's social media only belatedly replaced the photo with one that included all Bayern players, including Kim Min-jae, after the controversy grew. However, the racism controversy against Kim Min-jae is like spilled water. Kim Min-jae has already been hurt.
Racism in Germany is not a recent issue. Son Heung-min, who played in Germany, also experienced racism during his time in the Bundesliga. Son noted, "A Korean player has to perform at a level far above others to play in Germany."
Son Heung-min scored the decisive goal that led South Korea to a 2-0 victory over Germany in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, roaring with triumph. It was a goal that struck down the racism he faced during his time in Germany.
Son Heung-min expressed, "There were many things I could not say in Germany. The victory over Germany is a response to that," unable to contain his anger about the racism he experienced in Germany.
Bayern must not overlook the allegations of racism against Kim Min-jae. They must apologize and clarify the situation.
[OSEN]