Athlete Park Su-min hits back at citizen who filed complaint over Instagram post showing abs

For Park Su-min, a weightlifter for Pocheon’s city athletics team, showing off her abs on Instagram was a celebration of fitness — but one anonymous complainant said it deserved disciplinary action.

 
Park recently revealed that she received a civil complaint demanding disciplinary action after posting a photo of her abs on social media.

 
“Even though we’re affiliated with City Hall, we’re not public servants — we’re just members of the city’s workplace sports team,” Park shared the complaint and wrote on her account. “We don’t get treated like civil servants, and the city doesn’t care about us.”

She added, “Why does this concern you? Capturing every photo and filing complaints — you must have a lot of time on your hands.”

The petitioner filed a request through the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission’s petition system on Aug. 23, demanding heavy disciplinary action against her, according to the complaint Park disclosed.

 
The complaint included a photo Park had uploaded and read “Is the athlete in the attached file really a member of your city’s team? She is posting photos in underwear on Instagram, which not only damages the city’s image but also raises questions as to why you would continue employing her. I demand immediate disciplinary action.”

 
The attached photo showed Park posing in front of a mirror with her abs visible.

 
Under Pocheon city regulations governing workplace athletic teams, athletes are required to “maintain dignity” and may face disciplinary measures — including dismissal, suspension or salary cuts — if they violate that obligation.

 
However, observers note that posting a casual photo on a personal social media account is unlikely to constitute a breach of the dignity rule.

 
Park’s case quickly spread across social media and online communities, where many users criticized the complaint.  

 
Reactions included: “Some people really have nothing better to do,” “Lots of people post body profile shots — how do these complainers function in society?” “Where exactly is the dignity violation in that photo?” and “How can it be a problem for an athlete to post a photo of their abs?”

Source : https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-08-29/national/socialAffairs/Athlete-Park-Sumin-hits-back-at-citizen-who-filed-complaint-over-Instagram-post-showing-abs/2387075

Comprehension

Who is Park Su-min, and what sport does she play?
What kind of photo did Park post on Instagram?
What did the anonymous complainant demand?
Through which system was the complaint filed?
What did the complainant say about Park’s photo?
What are some possible punishments under Pocheon’s city regulations?
Why do many people think Park’s photo is not a violation?
How did social media users react to the complaint?

Discussion

Do you think posting abs or fitness photos on social media is inappropriate? Why or why not?
Should athletes and public figures be more careful about what they post online?
Do you agree that Park’s photo could “damage the city’s image”? Why or why not?
What do you think “maintaining dignity” means for athletes?
Do you believe the complainant was being too strict?
How do social media rules differ for athletes, students, and regular people?
Should people be punished for what they post on personal social media accounts?
How can social media bring both opportunities and problems for athletes?
Why do you think some people complain about others online?
If you were Park Su-min, how would you feel about this situation?

Vocabulary

Complaint – A statement saying that something is wrong or not acceptable.
Disciplinary action – A punishment given for breaking rules.
Affiliated – Officially connected or linked to an organization.
Petitioner – A person who makes a formal request or complaint.
Dignity – The quality of being respected or behaving properly.
Dismissal – Removal from a job or position.
Suspension – Temporary stopping of work, school, or duties as punishment.
Breach – A breaking of a rule or agreement.