Election 'Fraud' Conspiracy Theories Shared by 'Archery National Team' Jang Chae-hwan

It has come to light that Jang Chae-hwan, a member of the Korean men's national recurve archery team active for the 2025 season, posted numerous far-right posts containing allegations of election fraud on his social media.

Jang posted conspiracy theories suggesting that the election was rigged around the time of the 21st presidential election held in June.

Alongside an image announcing the election of President Lee Jae-myung, he wrote, "China = early voting manipulation = Jeolla-do = Election Commission collaboration results, welcome North Korea~ please don’t let U.S. troops leave Korea…"

In a post certifying his vote, he added, "Voting is acting normal with abnormality, let’s block communist forces, let’s eradicate communism." Additionally, it has been confirmed that Jang shared several posts suggesting that the presidential election was fraudulent. When controversy arose, he deleted the problematic posts and made his account private.

Im Si-hyun, who used the expression 'Igiyah'

Women's archery representative Im Si-hyun has also been embroiled in political controversy. Im, a former national representative who won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, used the expression 'Igiyah' on her social media.

'Igiyah' is a term originally used by the late former President Roh Moo-hyun in speeches, which far-right community users have modified for derogatory purposes.

It is now known as a term used in right-leaning communities such as DC Inside and Ilbe to mock politically. Criticism has been raised regarding the use of this term without context by a national representative athlete.

Response from the Archery Association and Escalating Controversy

Upon learning of such behavior, there has been fierce criticism online. While individual political opinions are a freedom, it is argued that publicly expressing extremist claims or conspiracy theories that deny the government system as a national representative is problematic.

Many citizens have demanded, "If that’s the case, do you even deserve to be a national representative?" Some responses have suggested that it’s no different from entertainers expressing political opinions, but most citizens counter, "Then don’t involve national representatives who receive 'taxpayer' money."

Among experts, there is an analysis that such actions may violate the 'duty to maintain dignity' stipulated in the Korean Sports Council's 'National Representative Selection and Operation Regulations.'

The Korean Archery Association has confirmed the controversy concerning the athletes and reportedly urged caution regarding their social media use. However, as the controversy does not seem to settle easily, discussions surrounding potential disciplinary actions or expulsions are likely to follow.

Image source: Jang Chae-hwan Instagram, Jang Chae-hwan / Provided by the Korean Archery Association, Im Si-hyun Instagram, Im Si-hyun / gettyimageskorea