Referee's alleged menstrual remark sparks controversy in Korean women's football

A controversy erupted in South Korean women’s football after a referee allegedly made a remark about menstruation during a WK League match. The incident, which occurred around the 31st minute of the Suwon FC Women v Seoul City Hall game on 28 August, has drawn attention to the treatment of female players and the governance of the sport in the country. The Korea Football Association has responded, and the debate now extends to the structural setup of women’s football and accountability within its governing bodies.

During the match, Suwon’s former Chelsea midfielder Ji So‑yun appealed for a foul after what she described as repeated rough tackles by Seoul City Hall. Referee Bae Sun‑young reportedly used the officials’ radio system to describe Ji as “sensitive from the start,” a comment that Ji later said she interpreted as referencing menstruation. Footage shows Ji visibly upset as she confronted the referee, after which she was shown a yellow card. In frustration, Ji threw a water bottle toward the Suwon bench; Bae approached Ji and considered issuing a red card but ultimately issued a yellow instead. The incident has sparked calls for clearer disciplinary procedures and greater sensitivity training for officials.

The Korea Football Association has issued a statement acknowledging the incident and pledging to investigate the referee’s conduct. The controversy has reignited discussions about the broader treatment of women athletes in Korea, the adequacy of support structures for female footballers, and the need for transparent accountability mechanisms within the sport’s governing bodies. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent reforms will likely shape the future of women’s football in South Korea.