Newcastle United youngster forced to apologise amid nation’s fury at controversial social media post

Newcastle United youngster Park Seung-soo has issued a public apology following a backlash over a social media post celebrating South Korea's Asian Games victory. The 19-year-old posted an image wearing a military "discharge cap" after South Korea defeated Japan 1-0 in the final on Saturday, an achievement that earned the squad exemption from mandatory military service.

Park stated he wore a cap given by a fan in the heat of celebration and did not intend to mock or belittle those serving their national defense duties. Korean Sport & Olympic Committee president Ryu Seung-min noted the remarks failed to align with public sentiment, while Park prepares to return to Newcastle's under-21 squad.