Controversy Surrounds 'Archery National Team' Player Jang Chae-hwan Sharing 'Election Fraud' Conspiracy Theories
Jang Chae-hwan, a player who participated in the 2025 recurve archery men’s national team, has sparked controversy after it was revealed that he posted multiple far-right posts about presidential election fraud on his social media.
He shared conspiracy theories claiming election manipulation surrounding the 21st presidential election, held in June, on Instagram Reels.
Along with an image announcing the election victory of President Lee Jae-myung, he wrote, "China = early voting manipulation = Jeolla Province = Election Commission collaboration results, our North Korea, come quickly ~ our China, don’t take the US troops away…"
In a post certifying his vote, he added the phrase, "Voting is a genuine vote suppression, turning the abnormal into normal, let’s block the communist forces, melt down the evil." Additionally, it was confirmed that Jang shared several posts suggesting that the presidential election was fraudulent. As the controversy began to escalate, he deleted the problematic posts and made his account private.
Expression 'Igiyah' Used by Player Lim Si-hyun
Women’s archery representative Lim Si-hyun is also embroiled in a political controversy. As a national team member who won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, she used the expression 'Igiyah' on her social media.
Originally used by the late former President Roh Moo-hyun in speeches, 'Igiyah' has been altered by users in far-right communities for derogatory purposes.
Currently, it is known as a phrase that has firmly established itself as a means of political mockery in right-leaning communities like DC Inside and Ilbe. There has been criticism regarding a national team athlete using such a term without any context.
Response from Archery Association and Spread of the Controversy
Upon the revelation of these behaviors, fierce criticism has emerged online. While individuals have the freedom to express political opinions, it has been pointed out that publicly revealing extremist claims or conspiracy theories that undermine the government while holding the status of a national representative is problematic.
Many citizens have demanded their expulsion, stating, "If that’s the case, do they even qualify as a national representative?" Some argue that this is no different from public figures expressing political opinions, but most citizens rebut, "Then national representatives funded by 'taxes' should not exist."
Experts analyze that such actions may violate the 'duty to maintain dignity' as stated in the 'National Representative Selection and Operating Regulations' of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee.
The Korea Archery Association has reportedly confirmed the athletes’ controversies and advised them to be cautious regarding their social media usage. However, as the controversy does not easily subside, discussions about potential disciplinary actions or expulsions are expected to continue in the future.
Image sources: Jang Chae-hwan Instagram, Jang Chae-hwan / Photo courtesy of the Korea Archery Association, Lim Si-hyun Instagram, Lim Si-hyun / gettyimageskorea
