TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The South Korean cheerleader at the center of a growing gender sensitivity controversy in Taiwan's professional basketball league broke her silence Monday, calling for greater awareness of appropriate workplace conduct. Lee Ayoung, a prominent member of the Leopard Girls (雲豹啦啦隊) cheerleading squad, addressed the incident that has sparked heated debate across Taiwanese sports media and social platforms. In her measured response, Lee stressed that such incidents deserve serious attention rather than casual dismissal, expressing her earnest hope that similar situations would be prevented in the future.
The controversy erupted after Johnny Chang (張建偉), the chief executive officer of the Taiwan Beer Leopards (台啤永豐雲豹), made questionable comments during a YouTube program appearance last Saturday. During the broadcast, Chang suggested that if the video reached a threshold of 5,000 comments, Lee would sit on the laps of both a league deputy secretary-general and a commentator, with on-screen text reading "Sitting in the Middle." The remarks immediately triggered backlash from viewers and media commentators alike, who condemned Chang's statement as objectifying and demonstrating a profound lack of gender sensitivity within the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL, 台灣職業籃球大聯盟), an organization still working to establish its professional credentials in its inaugural season.
Lee, who became a member of the Leopard Girls cheerleading squad last year after relocating from South Korea, has since established herself in Taiwan, obtaining a residence permit and building connections within the local basketball community. Despite the uncomfortable situation, the cheerleader conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of support she has received from fans across social media platforms. Looking beyond the controversy, Lee affirmed her commitment to her professional role and expressed her desire to continue performing as part of the cheerleading team that has become an integral part of the game-day experience for Leopards fans.
In response to the mounting criticism, the Taiwan Beer Leopards organization moved quickly to address the situation, releasing an official statement last Saturday that acknowledged the inappropriate nature of their CEO's remarks. The franchise's communication recognized Chang's comments as demonstrating poor judgment and a lack of gender sensitivity in a professional sports context. The statement included a formal apology for any discomfort experienced by Lee and for the negative impression the incident may have created regarding the team's values and organizational culture. Chang himself has subsequently issued a personal apology, expressing remorse for his remarks and the controversy they generated within Taiwan's emerging professional basketball community.