Daejeon manager links Lee Chung-Yong's golf ceremony to team culture issues

[OSEN=Jeong Seung-Woo Reporter] "An issue with no correct answer. It's impossible to definitively say whose fault is greater." Hwang Sun-Hong, 57 years old, manager of Daejeon Hana Citizens, expressed regret over the recent controversy shaking the football world, the 'Lee Chung-Yong golf ceremony controversy'.

On the 22nd at the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 Final Round Media Day held at Nuri Dream Square in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Hwang Sun-Hong received questions about Ulsan HD's Lee Chung-Yong, 37 years old, and the controversy surrounding his 'golf swing ceremony'. After a moment to collect his thoughts, he spoke cautiously but firmly.

He stated, "This is an issue with no correct answer. It's impossible to definitively say whose fault is greater. It's regrettable, and as a football person, I feel ashamed."

Deep regret was evident in Hwang's words. He did not view this incident merely as a 'ceremony controversy'. "The reality that the culture of respect is gradually disappearing in football these days is the most sorrowful," he pointed out. "Ultimately, all football people suffer because of such incidents."

The controversy originated from a scene on the 18th at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium. Lee Chung-Yong, a veteran midfielder for Ulsan, celebrated his extra goal with a penalty kick in the match against Gwangju FC by mimicking a golf swing. Interpreted as a targeted gesture toward former Ulsan manager Shin Tae-Yong, who was dismissed just two months prior, it ignited heated debate across the football community.

Shin Tae-Yong, recently dismissed, had been embroiled in controversy over claims that he "loaded a golf bag onto the team bus during an away game trip." This led to revelations of conflicts with the club and the player squad, polarizing public opinion. Shin claimed, "There was a group insubordination as the coaching staff's tactics reached the players' ears," but Ulsan countered, "There were instances of verbal abuse and physical violence during training."

Shin Tae-Yong himself clarified in a KBS interview, "I had planned to send the golf bag to my home in Seongnam because I thought I wouldn't have a chance to play golf in Ulsan."

Ulsan's official social media also responded immediately. Comments on the post featuring Lee Chung-Yong's goal-scoring video were divided: "Why did you cut the ceremony?" "Chung-Yong, my first love in my heart," and "Are fans who defend the ceremony targeting the manager truly Ulsan fans?" Some fans evaluated, "This scene was a symbol of the team's atmosphere."

Hwang Sun-Hong viewed the incident as a 'team culture issue'. "Leadership must change with the times. Problems arise if it leans too much to one side," he said. "Even I find it difficult to communicate with MZ-generation players. However, leaders must understand and accommodate that generation."

He emphasized, "The relationship between managers and players, as well as the front office and fans, is crucial. A leader must be able to embrace all members." /reccos23@osen.co.kr

Hwang Sun-Hong Deplores Football's Eroding Respect Culture