A debate over South Korean football star Son Heung Min’s (33, Los Angeles FC) “umbrella manners” has sparked heated discussion online, drawing the attention of international media to the country’s gender divide.
On August 7 (local time), The New York Times published an article titled 'Should This Soccer Star Have Held an Umbrella for a Female Interviewer?' reporting that an interview scene involving Son had ignited a storm of controversy on Korean social media.
The debate began after a photograph taken on July 3 at Seoul World Cup Stadium resurfaced online. Following a friendly match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, Son was interviewed in the rain. In the image, Hayoung, a member of Apink and the interviewer, was holding an umbrella over Son.
Some netizens interpreted the scene as “a snapshot of how men treat women in Korea,” suggesting it reflected broader gender dynamics. Others argued that such readings were exaggerated and baseless.
It later emerged that Son had been holding microphone equipment in both hands, making it difficult for him to hold the umbrella himself. Nevertheless, the controversy persisted. Comparisons were drawn with Tottenham teammate Ben Davies, who, during a separate interview at the same event, was seen holding an umbrella for the interviewer.
The NYT article detailed the course of the debate and even cited a comment from an online forum claiming, “Most Western men instinctively show consideration for women.”
“Just one photograph of Son Heung Min sparked a heated online argument,” the NYT wrote. “Raw emotions surrounding South Korea’s gender conflict were laid bare, with many projecting their feelings about gender issues onto the image.”
The report noted that gender disputes remain a highly sensitive topic in South Korea, especially among younger generations, where they often surface in discussions around elections, birth rates, and dating.
According to the NYT, the deeply rooted Confucian belief that “women should be subordinate to men” remains a source of tension. This belief, however, has faced growing challenges as women gain greater access to employment opportunities and feminist values gain traction through movements like #MeToo.
The newspaper also highlighted the role of online communities and social media in deepening divides, polarizing views, and amplifying anger over gender-related issues.
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