[Sportschosun Kim Jun-seok reporter] Go Young-wook, a broadcaster and former singer, has once again become the center of controversy after posting on social media about World Cup cheering culture.
On the 18th, Go Young-wook wrote on his social media account, X (formerly Twitter), "Even though I was never very interested in sports games, I used to make sure to watch the FIFA World Cup. But at some point, I lost interest, and I did not even know the match against the Czech Republic was being played."
He then expressed interest in the South Korea national football team, saying, "I am going to turn on today's match against Mexico for the first time in a while."
Go Young-wook also mentioned his past ties with football players. He said, "I used to invite players like Ko Jong-soo and Lee Dong-gook to my birthday parties, and we were close, but now I have nothing to do with them," adding, "Whoever wins or loses means nothing to my life."
Recalling the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan, he said, "That is just not my personality. I have never raised both arms, pointed my index fingers upward, and shouted 'Daehanminguk jjajak jjajak jjjak.'"
He also shared his thoughts on World Cup cheering culture.
Go Young-wook wrote, "Even though the game is not being played in Korea and can be watched comfortably on TV at home, it probably does not do much for one's own life. Still, when I see people going out into the streets, cheering among large crowds, and getting excited, it seems there are many people with truly selfless hearts."
The post quickly spread online and drew mixed reactions.
Some users said he was simply expressing a personal view of the FIFA World Cup, while others argued that he was being overly cynical about national team matches and cheering culture.
Meanwhile, Go Young-wook was indicted in 2013 on charges of raping and molesting minors and was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. He was released after serving his full term in 2015 and was later subjected to an electronic ankle monitor and public disclosure and notification of his personal information.
narusi@sportschosun.com
