[Sportschosun Reporter Kim Jun-seok] Travel creator Kwaktube (Kwak Joon-bin) apologized in person after a soccer-related remark in a video of him watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup sparked controversy.
On the 12th, Kwaktube's YouTube channel released a video titled "Miraculous World Cup Czech Republic Match Highlights - Mexico (1)."
That day, Kwaktube watched South Korea's opening group-stage match against the Czech Republic in Mexico and shared the lively atmosphere from the stands.
In the video, Kwaktube commented on the Czech Republic team's tactics, saying, "They are not even playing football, just doing set pieces. What kind of football is this?" He then compared the teams by saying, "South Korea is Manchester City and the Czech Republic is Arsenal."
After the clip was released, some soccer fans expressed disappointment in the comments, saying, "That's not an appropriate comparison," "It's disrespectful to both Arsenal and the Czech Republic," and "I understand he was excited, but he went too far."
As the criticism grew, Kwaktube apologized directly in the comments.
He said, "It was the first World Cup match, and as a soccer fan watching from home, I got too excited and used too many harsh expressions about Arsenal." He added, "I was trying to capture the atmosphere on site, so I included some overly strong wording. I am sorry to Arsenal fans, and next time I will watch my words and try to speak more carefully and kindly."
Meanwhile, the South Korea national football team got off to a strong start with a 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic in the opening Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held on the 12th at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico.
narusi@sportschosun.com
