ID :
69818
Fri, 07/10/2009 - 21:34
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/69818
The shortlink copeid
Kim Yu-na's fans fuming over upcoming ice show
By Kim Boram
SEOUL, July 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korean figure skating sensation Kim Yu-na has
been awkwardly caught in the middle of a row between zealous fans and the
organizers of an upcoming ice show.
Kim's admirers, who often equate her to a "fairy" or "queen," insist that the
other skaters headlining at the event do not match up to her caliber.
The 18-year-old has become an icon since winning her country's first ever World
Championship gold medal in March. Whatever she wears becomes a must-have for
fashionistas, and whatever she advertises marks record sales growth.
Previous ice shows featuring Kim have drawn massive crowds here. One such event
in April also featured Olympic gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa, former world
champion Stephane Lambiel and current U.S. figure skating champion Jeremy Abbot.
Even stacked next to such stars, Kim was highlighted as the main attraction.
But the ice show at the center of the current uproar, which has played out in
fiery postings on Internet message boards, has Kim sharing the spotlight with
lesser-known talents. It is scheduled for Aug. 14-16 in Seoul.
Kim's agency, IB Sports, has been bombarded by calls demanding it upgrade the
other performers and change the photograph on its official Web site to make it
clear that Kim will be the headliner.
Some have also sent malicious messages to junior American skater Adam Rippon, who
joined the bill at the last minute.
The attitudes of Kim's fans have shocked the figure skater and her mother, Park
Mi-hee, who has also become something of a celebrity here for her role in her
daughter's success.
Park posted a statement on-line admonishing the fans and saying that Kim would
never participate in another ice show. Her comment seems to have only made the
issue more divisive.
The vice president of IB Sports apologized for the incident on Wednesday evening.
"As the one in charge of the event, I take full responsibility for causing
concerns over the show," Koo Dong-hee said. "But please refrain from reproaching
the invitees."
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)
SEOUL, July 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korean figure skating sensation Kim Yu-na has
been awkwardly caught in the middle of a row between zealous fans and the
organizers of an upcoming ice show.
Kim's admirers, who often equate her to a "fairy" or "queen," insist that the
other skaters headlining at the event do not match up to her caliber.
The 18-year-old has become an icon since winning her country's first ever World
Championship gold medal in March. Whatever she wears becomes a must-have for
fashionistas, and whatever she advertises marks record sales growth.
Previous ice shows featuring Kim have drawn massive crowds here. One such event
in April also featured Olympic gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa, former world
champion Stephane Lambiel and current U.S. figure skating champion Jeremy Abbot.
Even stacked next to such stars, Kim was highlighted as the main attraction.
But the ice show at the center of the current uproar, which has played out in
fiery postings on Internet message boards, has Kim sharing the spotlight with
lesser-known talents. It is scheduled for Aug. 14-16 in Seoul.
Kim's agency, IB Sports, has been bombarded by calls demanding it upgrade the
other performers and change the photograph on its official Web site to make it
clear that Kim will be the headliner.
Some have also sent malicious messages to junior American skater Adam Rippon, who
joined the bill at the last minute.
The attitudes of Kim's fans have shocked the figure skater and her mother, Park
Mi-hee, who has also become something of a celebrity here for her role in her
daughter's success.
Park posted a statement on-line admonishing the fans and saying that Kim would
never participate in another ice show. Her comment seems to have only made the
issue more divisive.
The vice president of IB Sports apologized for the incident on Wednesday evening.
"As the one in charge of the event, I take full responsibility for causing
concerns over the show," Koo Dong-hee said. "But please refrain from reproaching
the invitees."
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)
