Newcastle United youngster Park Seung-soo won the Asian Games with South Korea on Saturday - but it was not without controversy.
Newcastle United winger Park Seung-soo was forced to apologise and issue a statement in the immediate aftermath of South Korea Under-23s Asian Games victory over Japan.
A general view of a corner flag prior to the U18 Premier League match between Newcastle United U18 v Manchester United U18 at Newcastle United Academy on January 13, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)placeholder image
A general view of a corner flag prior to the U18 Premier League match between Newcastle United U18 v Manchester United U18 at Newcastle United Academy on January 13, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images) | Manchester United via Getty Imag
Seung-soo came off the bench in the final minutes to help South Korea claim a 1-0 win and an Asian Games gold medal.
As a result, the 19-year-old and his teammates were given an exemption from their nation’s compulsory military service for eligible men. Seung-soo’s success limits his national service to just weeks of basic training rather than an 18- to-21-month conscription.
Park Seung-soo of Newcastle United U21 during the Vertu Trophy match between Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United U21 at John Smith's Stadium on September 02, 2025 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
Park Seung-soo of Newcastle United U21 during the Vertu Trophy match between Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United U21 at John Smith's Stadium on September 02, 2025 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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But this is where the controversy stemmed from after South Korea’s Asian Games success, with Seung-soo posting an image of himself celebrating the victory while wearing a South Korean military ‘discharge cap’ in the dressing room on Instagram. The post was later taken down and the Newcastle youngster later issued an apology, explaining his actions.
On Instagram, he wrote: “Hello. I am Park Seung-su, a member of the national football team for the Asian Games. I would like to apologise to the fans regarding the photo I posted on social media immediately after the finals.
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“I am sincerely sorry to those who felt uncomfortable because of my actions. Immediately after the match ended, I received and wore a hat given to me by a fan at the venue. I was overwhelmed with joy and emotion at winning the gold medal as a result of the time and effort I had put into preparation, so at that moment, I took a picture and posted it on social media without giving deep thought to the meaning of the hat.
“However, I never had any intention of mocking those fulfilling their military duty or taking their efforts lightly. Nor have I ever once taken the significance of the Taegeuk mark lightly. I am fully aware that the opportunities and benefits granted by this gold medal are by no means something to be taken for granted.
“Moving forward, I will demonstrate a more responsible attitude to repay the support and expectations of the people. Once again, I sincerely apologise to everyone who felt uncomfortable due to my thoughtless actions.”
Seung-soo will now return to Newcastle to link up with the club’s Under-21s side. While the teenager has featured for the first-team in pre-season, he is yet to make his competitive debut at senior level.