Korean broadcaster SBS is under fire for making insensitive comments about multi-gold medalist archer Lim Si Hyeon‘s face during an interview.
On July 27, KST, the network posted a short video on its YouTube channel featuring Lim, who answered questions about her determination for the 2024 Paris Olympics. During the interview, the reporter suddenly pointed out, “There is a bow mark on your chin.”
Lim gracefully explained that her skil has developed pigmentation where the bowstring continuously hit her chin.
The reporter, refusing to move on, asked the athlete if she had plans to get laser treatment in order to remove the scar, to which Lim responded that it did not bother her but she might consider the option after retiring from the sport.
The interview was intensely criticized by netizens, with some deeming the question disrespectful, while others calling out the misogyny lying underneath. Some comments pointed out that these kind of questions are never directed at male wrestlers, for instance, about their cauliflower ears.
SBS has since deleted the interview from its channel but the criticism continues. Meanwhile, Lim has brought home three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
