An outdated term "nose-picking" was broadcast.
During the commentary of the K League 1 Round 21 match between Jeonbuk Hyundai and Gimcheon Sangmu, Commissioner Lee Sang-yoon, while praising Jeonbuk striker Andrea Compagno (29), used an expression that caricatured a specific race.
The match ended with Jeonbuk winning 2-1. The Italian nationality striker Compagno, who joined this season, scored multiple goals. As a result, Jeonbuk secured 3 points and recorded 45 points (13 wins, 6 draws, 2 losses), maintaining the league's top position.
In this match commentary, Commissioner Lee Sang-yoon uttered the expression "Italian bomber! Nose-picking!" after Compagno's second goal. While this may have been intended to express Compagno's strength and uplift the atmosphere on-site, the statement clearly contradicts current broadcasting standards and contemporary sensibilities by mocking racial characteristics.
The term "nose-picking" has been used in Korean society to caricature or alienate Western races in the past. Language habits that exaggerate physical characteristics or define specific ethnic groups as outsiders are outdated in today's multicultural society and do not align with the values of the sports community.
It is particularly problematic that this statement was broadcast during a public sports commentary. Compagno is a foreign player of Italian nationality who has established himself as a key striker for Jeonbuk in the K League. Commissioner Lee praised Compagno throughout the match commentary. However, using such a term while praising a player raises fundamental questions about the commentator's linguistic sensitivity and awareness.
This statement can cause discomfort and alienation not only to the player in question but also to foreign players in the K League, and may create unease among fans of various nationalities watching the K League. Moreover, as Korean football becomes more internationalized and the number of multicultural players increases, there is a growing demand for sports broadcasters to have a more contemporary awareness and sense of responsibility.
Expressions and biased language used by some commentators, which have been repeated in K League broadcasts, have been presented as 'jokes' or 'devices for fun' to entertain fans. However, the racially derogatory term 'nose-picking' mentioned in this match is an anachronistic remark that does not fit with the current year of 2025.
Korea's representative sports star Son Heung-min has also recounted multiple instances of experiencing racism in Germany and England. If such verbal indiscretions directed at foreign players continue, there will be nothing left for us to say.
Commissioner Lee Sang-yoon has gained the love of countless fans with his down-to-earth and cheerful commentary. This makes his recent statement all the more disappointing.
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