Cho So-hyun’s Move to Canada Highlights Disparities in Women’s Football Support
South Korean women’s football icon Cho So-hyun, at 38, has joined Halifax Tyres FC in the Canadian Northern Super League (NSL), sparking a broader conversation about support for women’s football in Asia, particularly in comparison to men’s football and other women’s sports in South Korea.
China’s Prada Sponsorship and the Catalyst for Discussion
The discussion was ignited after Cho So-hyun shared on her Instagram account that the China women’s national soccer team is receiving official clothing support from luxury brand Prada (Chosun Biz). She questioned whether South Korea has similar support, prompting a wave of commentary about the disparities in resources and recognition between the two nations’ women’s football programs.
Prada released photos of the Chinese team wearing custom-made suits ahead of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup, showcasing a design reflecting the team’s nickname, the ‘Steel Roses’ (Chosun Biz). The sponsorship, signed in 2023, is seen as a strategic move to tap into the Chinese market.
South Korea’s Support for Women’s Football: Progress and Remaining Gaps
While the Korean women’s national team wore uniforms from Kolon’s Cambridge Members during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (Chosun Biz), the comparison to Prada’s sponsorship highlights a perceived gap in support. The Korea Football Association (KFA) provides Cambridge Members suits to both the men’s and women’s national teams.
However, the KFA has recently announced improvements in support for the women’s team, including providing business class seats on airplanes for all players starting with the upcoming Asian Cup (Chosun Biz). This decision addresses previous requests from players for parity with the men’s team in travel accommodations.
Cho So-hyun’s Career and Move to Canada
Cho So-hyun’s move to Halifax Tyres FC marks her fourth stint in an overseas league, following successful periods in Japan, Norway, and England (Evrimagaci.org). With 156 international caps and captaincy of the South Korean team in the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups, she brings significant experience and leadership to the NSL.
She has expressed her desire to continue challenging herself and believes Halifax provides a supportive environment for her career, even beyond her playing days (Evrimagaci.org). Several other South Korean players, including Lee Mina, Chu Hyo-joo, Jung Min-young, Kang Chae-rim, and Choi Han-bin, are as well playing in the Canadian league.
Looking Ahead
Cho So-hyun’s move and her social media commentary have brought renewed attention to the need for increased support and recognition for women’s football in South Korea. As she embarks on this new chapter in Canada, her journey continues to inspire and advocate for greater equality in the sport.