Today on Twitter: #โค้ชเช (“#CoachChoi“) became the second highest trending hashtag on the news that Choi Young Seuk, a well-regarded and handsome national taekwondo coach, decided not to return to Thailand after being accused of assaulting a player.
National athlete Rungrawee Kurasa claimed Choi punched her in the face after she lost at the Korean Open last week and requested the coach to apologize publicly. He’s chosen to remain in South Korea since.
It’s unclear what exactly transpired between the 40-year-old coach and the 23-year-old athlete, apart from a punch to the face that he hasn’t denied.
Thailand’s Taekwando chief, Pimol Srivikorn, has spun the alleged face-punch as a matter of paternal scolding, and many have rallied behind their handsome, coach-hero.
Although authority figures have no right to beat their underlings, employee or student, the concepts of “tough love” and a father figure striking a child “out of love” are widely accepted, and many netizens are on the coach’s side.
Despite questions about Choi’s actions, an emotional outpouring of support came via social media today, with tweets and other messages backing Choi and asking him to return.
I’m support “Choi Young Seok” #โค้ชเช
— MAximUs (@MaXiMuSi2) July 17, 2014
Please comeback please please and please #โค้ชเช
— No Love สาย 8 (@YadaPhueng) July 17, 2014
I want you. We want you. Thailand want you. #โค้ชเช
— ซอฟต์เป็นผู้หญิงตลก (@Omoimasu) July 16, 2014
#supportcoachchoi #โค้ชเช Don’t be up set just because a child who lacks of discipline. ✌️
— จูเนียร์สี่มิติoO○ (@2JUNIOR94JYP_) July 16, 2014
Fighting naka #โค้ชเช ✌️ pic.twitter.com/Oo5eSCYzKW
— พี่หนิง (@tangjaidee) July 16, 2014
Illustration: Praew Tansanga
Related:
National Taekwondo coach pleased as punch to stay in S. Korea after assault accusation
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