Former Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung has called on fans of the English Premier League club to stop singing a chant referring to South Koreans eating dogs, saying that he needs to “educate” the fans.
“In Korea, things have changed a lot. It is true that historically we have eaten dog meat but these days, particularly the younger generation, they really dislike it. The culture has changed,” Park told the official UTD podcast.
The chant has been resurrected after the arrival of Hwang Hee-chan at Wolverhampton Wanderers, with away supporters singing it when Manchester United travelled to Molyneux in August and new signing Hwang was unveiled to the home fans.
“I know that United fans don’t mean any offence to him for that song,” Park said, “but still I have to educate the fans to stop that word
“He’s a national hero. In Korea. Also they would say he has two hearts. He’s a national hero for me. He’s a good friend of mine.”
Speaking of his pride in being Korean, Park referenced Son, K-pop superstars BTS, Korean dramas on Netflix and the country’s technology in.
Korean drama Squid Game is currently on course to become the streaming giant’s most popular show ever.
“I really request the fans to stop singing that word,” Park said. “It causes discomfort to Korean people when they hear that song. It’s time to stop.”
The club have supported Park’s stance. “Manchester United fully supports Ji-sung’s comments and urges fans to respect his wishes,” they said in a statement on the official website.
Son Heung-min receives the AFC Asian International Player of the Year award!#AFCAwards2019 pic.twitter.com/jDIPRKITVD
— AFC (@theafcdotcom) December 8, 2019
Manchester United fans have also been criticised for references to the people of Liverpool in the offensive chant, which was sung from the stands at Old Trafford during the 1-1 English Premier League draw with Everton last Saturday (Oct 2).
In 2017, then striker Romelu Lukaku asked the fans to stop singing a song that referred to a racial stereotype.
While Park’s request sparked debate over the lyrics of the chant on social media, South Korean president Moon Jae-in gave rise to a debate in the country when he said last month that they should consider a formal ban on dog meat.
This article was first published in South China Morning Post.
This article was first published in Asia One . All contents and images are copyright to their respective owners and sources.
