JAKARTA— Ulsan Hyundai defender Jung Seung-hyun has made a startling confession, revealing he was once slapped by former South Korea and Indonesia national team coach Shin Tae-yong during the latter’s tenure at the K League club. Jung’s admission came after Ulsan’s final match of the season, following the viral circulation of a video purportedly showing Shin striking the player.
Speaking out about the incident, Jung, who last represented the South Korea national team in 2024 and boasts 26 international appearances, acknowledged the widespread concern. “Many people who saw the footage have expressed their worries,” Jung stated, highlighting the public’s unease. He further emphasized that the alleged act not only surprised the general public but also deeply affected his family. “My parents will definitely be angry when they see it. It doesn’t feel good,” he shared, conveying the personal distress caused by the video.
The defender added that the contentious incident prompted him to critically assess his situation within the team environment. “There were several moments when I thought, ‘Is this right?’ This isn’t in line with our current times,” Jung explained, suggesting that such coaching methods are outdated and inappropriate for modern football. His words underscore a growing demand for player welfare and ethical conduct in sports.
Meanwhile, Shin Tae-yong, renowned for leading South Korea at the 2018 World Cup, had a brief and tumultuous spell at Ulsan, being dismissed last October after just 65 days in charge. According to various South Korean media reports, Shin has vehemently denied the allegations of assault depicted in the widely circulating video. This ongoing controversy raises significant questions about player-coach dynamics and accountability in professional football.
Summary
Ulsan Hyundai defender Jung Seung-hyun revealed he was once slapped by former South Korea and Indonesia coach Shin Tae-yong during Shin’s tenure at the K League club. Jung’s admission followed the viral circulation of a video purportedly showing the incident. He expressed personal distress and questioned the appropriateness of such coaching methods in modern football.
Shin Tae-yong, known for leading South Korea at the 2018 World Cup, had a brief spell at Ulsan and was dismissed last October. Various South Korean media reports indicate that Shin has vehemently denied the allegations of assault depicted in the widely circulating video.