Lee Kang-in holds a Paris Saint-Germain jersey. Photo courtesy of Paris Saint-Germain
South Korean brands backed by star footballer Lee Kang-in are facing public pressure to cut ties with him for trying to hit highly admired national captain Son Heung-min.
Chicken chain Arachi saw a large number of followers on Instagram demanding the removal of photos of the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder.
Lee began supporting the channel in January 2023.
One user said on February 17: “I won’t buy it even if I starve. Change the advertising model.”
A company official said it was now considering other options as Lee’s contract neared its end, according to the Herald of Korea.
Over the past six months, Arachi has reportedly spent more than 500 million KRW ($374,000) to showcase Lee with its products.
Social media users are angry after Lee got into a fight with Son, the beloved Tottenham Hotspurs captain, ahead of South Korea’s final Asian Cup match.
Yonhap reported that Lee attempted to punch Son but botched an altercation at dinner the night before the match. His son dislocated his finger during the discord.
South Korea’s leading mobile carrier, KT Corp., pulled its ads featuring Lee days before his contract was scheduled to expire.
The campaign for its Galaxy S24 series featuring the footballer was scheduled to run until Saturday, but the company last week ordered its outlets nationwide to remove advertising posters featuring him.
Lee acknowledged the incident on his Instagram account and apologized.
“I have caused a huge disappointment to football fans who still support our national team. I am truly sorry.”
