# WK League referee misconduct investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wk-league-referee-misconduct-investigation
> Updated: 2026-08-31T02:17:27.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

A controversy emerged in the South Korean WK League following allegations that referee Bae Seon-young made sexually harassing remarks toward player Ji So-yeon during a match between Suwon FC Women and Seoul City Hall.

Ji reported that while protesting fouls, the referee used radio communication to suggest she was being “sensitive” due to her menstrual cycle. While the Korea Football Association (KFA) referee team stated that the specific word for menstruation was not used, they acknowledged that the slang term ‘Girls’ Day’ was used in the communication. Ji subsequently received a yellow card during the confrontation.

Suwon FC Women has filed formal complaints with the KFA and the Women’s Football Federation, seeking a re-evaluation of the yellow card and measures to prevent recurrence. The Korea Professional Football Players Association has condemned the incident as a “serious human rights violation and an abuse of power,” calling for the referee’s removal and the establishment of an emergency committee to protect players. The KFA is expected to discuss the matter at a referee evaluation meeting on September 3.

Following the incident, which caused a four-minute match delay, the referee reportedly characterized the remarks as “something we said among ourselves.” In response, the Korea Women's Football Federation announced it will review the facts and hold meetings with officials and clubs to improve refereeing standards and the league's communication culture.

## Claims

- Ji So-yeon claims the referee made a remark implying she was being sensitive due to her menstrual cycle. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Korea Football Association (KFA) referee team stated that the specific word for menstruation was not used during radio communication. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The KFA acknowledged that the term 'Girls' Day' was used during the radio communication. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Suwon FC Women filed an official complaint with the KFA and the Women's Football Federation requesting a formal investigation and preventative measures. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Korea Professional Football Players Association characterized the incident as a serious human rights violation and an abuse of power. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Referee Bae Sun-young reportedly changed her stance, suggesting the remarks were intended as private communication among officials. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Players Association demanded the removal of the referee and an immediate referral to the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee's Sports Fair Committee. (single source)
- The KFA is scheduled to discuss the incident at a referee evaluation meeting on September 3. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Ji So-yun alleges sexual harassment by referee in WK League match

South Korean footballer Ji So-yun has alleged sexual harassment by a referee who reportedly used menstrual slang during a WK League match, prompting official investigations and calls for disciplinary action.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ji-so-yeon-controversy-referee-accused-of-sexual-harassment-in-wk-league-match

### 2026-08-29: WK League referee faces investigation over alleged remarks toward Ji So-yeon

South Korean footballer Ji So-yeon has accused a WK League referee of making a sexually harassing remark regarding her menstrual cycle during a match, prompting a federation investigation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wk-league-referee-faces-investigation-over-alleged-remarks-toward-ji-so-yeon

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Cite as: WK League referee misconduct investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wk-league-referee-misconduct-investigation