Newcastle United winger Park Seung-soo has apologised after a photograph he posted following South Korea’s Asian Games triumph drew criticism.
The 19-year-old shared an image wearing a military discharge cap after Saturday’s victory over Japan, before issuing an apology on Sunday.
According to Korean outlet Star News, which reproduced his statement, Park explained that a supporter had handed him the cap after the final.
He said the excitement of winning gold had led him to take and share the photograph without properly considering its meaning.
Park Seung-soo explains Asian Games celebration
The criticism centred on the symbolism of a cap associated with completing military service.
ChosunBiz’s report explained that its use during the celebrations had been viewed as insensitive towards those who had fulfilled their service obligations.
In his statement, Park denied intending to mock serving personnel or minimise their efforts.
He apologised to those offended and pledged to act more responsibly. Both outlets published translated accounts of his explanation.
Park had appeared as a late substitute as South Korea beat Japan 1-0 to secure the gold medal, a result confirmed in Newcastle’s official international roundup.
The winger also made substitute appearances against Qatar and Saudi Arabia during the tournament.
His involvement formed part of a busy international window for Newcastle’s young players, covered in our Newcastle international tracker.
