This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
On May 8, South Korea's K-League kicked off its new season without spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, it was the decision of one of its clubs, FC Seoul, that has left fans and officials alike in shock.
FC Seoul used sex dolls to fill seats at a match held behind closed doors, a move that has sparked widespread criticism and a record fine of Ksh 8.6 million ($81,000) from the K-League.
The incident occurred on Sunday when dozens of dolls wearing T-shirts or holding placards with the logo of a sex-toy seller appeared at the game. The K-League accepted FC Seoul's claim that it did not know the mannequins were sex toys, but said it could have easily recognised their use using common sense and experience.
“The controversy over this ‘real doll’ incident has deeply humiliated and hurt women fans (and) damaged the integrity of the league,” the K-League said in a statement late Wednesday.
FC Seoul accepted the decision, apologised and promised to prevent a repeat. The team also said it had asked the police to investigate the provider of the mannequins.
