‘Girl’s day’ controversy reignites debate over how women are treated in South Korean football
A referee in South Korea's WK League is alleged to have made a menstruation-related remark about star player Ji So-yun during a match, sparking a wider controversy over how female players are treated in the country's football set-up. The Korea Football Association (KFA) has opened disciplinary proceedings after the incident escalated from an on-pitch dispute into public criticism of the governing body's accountability, with players' representatives calling it a serious abuse of power rather than a mere refereeing disagreement.
The incident occurred around the 31st minute of a match between Suwon FC Women and Seoul City Hall on 28 August, after Ji, a former Chelsea midfielder, appealed for a foul over rough tackles. Referee Bae Sun-young reportedly described Ji as "sensitive from the start" over the officials' radio, in a remark widely interpreted as referencing menstruation, though the KFA says the word "period" was not used, with reports suggesting the phrase "girl's day" was used instead. Ji was booked after confronting the official and throwing a water bottle; Bae denies the comment was directed at Ji, calling it a private conversation. The Korea Pro-Footballers Association has demanded Bae's expulsion and an overhaul of refereeing, while the case is now with the KFA's fair play committee, reviving memories of last year's boycott threat by the women's national team over travel and accommodation conditions ahead of the 2026 Women's Asian Cup.
In short
- Referee allegedly made menstruation-related remark about player Ji So-yun
- KFA opens disciplinary proceedings via its fair play committee
- Row revives wider concerns over treatment of women's football in South Korea
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Even if the referee did not use the word “period” or address Ji directly, a menstruation-related remark during a dispute could reasonably be seen as demeaning and as using a gendered stereotype to dismiss a player’s appeal. Given players’ concerns about treatment and accountability in women’s football, a transparent investigation and meaningful disciplinary action, if the allegation is substantiated, could help protect players and restore confidence in officiating.
The case against
The referee denies directing the remark at Ji, and the KFA says the specific word attributed to her was not used; the wording and context therefore matter before intent or misconduct can be established. Ji was also booked after confronting the official and throwing a bottle, so a fair process should assess that conduct alongside the disputed exchange and avoid imposing a severe sanction before the evidence is clear.
Explained simply
South Korea’s WK League is the country’s top women’s football competition, and Suwon FC Women and Seoul City Hall are two of its teams. Ji So-yun is a leading South Korean player who has also played for Chelsea in England.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) governs football in South Korea and handles disciplinary cases involving officials. The Korea Pro-Footballers Association represents players and has raised concerns about how referees are held accountable.
The dispute has drawn attention to wider questions about conditions and treatment in women’s football in South Korea. Last year, members of the women’s national team threatened a boycott over travel and accommodation arrangements before the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup.
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