Asian Games: Kwon Soon Woo Apologizes for Meltdown

South Korean tennis player Kwon Soon Woo has issued a handwritten apology after showing unsportsmanlike behavior at the Asian Games. Kwon shocked the audience when he smashed his tennis racket after losing to Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej.

Aside from wrecking his racket, the South Korean player refused to shake his opponent’s hand after the match. His actions caused an uproar in his native country, causing him to issue the apology.

The incident took place during the second round of the men’s singles competition of the Asian Games. The Asian Games is currently taking place in Hangzhou, China.

You can watch the incident below.

#WATCH 🇰🇷South Korean tennis player Kwon Soon-woo smashed his racket and refused to shake hands with his opponent after losing the men's singles tennis at the #AsianGames2023 2-1 to Kasidit Samrej of Thailand on Monday.

According to the relevant regulations of South Korea,… pic.twitter.com/9YF5Je0U1z

— 凤凰欧洲 PhoenixCNE News (@PhoenixCNE_News) September 25, 2023

Kwon Soon Woo ranks 112th in the world, while Kasidit Samrej actually ranks lower at No. 636. The result of their match is being considered as one of the biggest upsets in the history of tennis.

Kwon Soon Woo Issues Apology After Asian Games Meltdown

Kwon’s handwritten apology was posted on his personal Instagram account. While his letter is written in his native language, various news outlets have translated his apology.

“I sincerely apologize to all the Korean people who support the national team and to the fans at the stadium,” the letter reads. “I’m sorry.”

He has likewise apologized to his opponent, who he says would have been offended by his behavior. Kwon acknowledges that what he did was careless, and he says that he regrets what he has done.

South Korean Sports Authorities to Take Action

Despite Kwon’s apology, it looks like he will have to face consequences for his actions. A report notes that South Korea’s sports authorities are looking into taking “measures” to address his conduct at the Asian Games.

In a statement, the Korean Sport and Olympic Committe (KSOC) says that they “will take appropriate measures for the situation through a comprehensive review after the Games come to an end.”