5 Shocking Facts About Park Dae Sung And The Road FC Ring Girl Controversy
The controversy surrounding South Korean MMA fighter Park Dae Sung and the Road FC ring girl is one of the most talked-about and defining moments of his career. Originating in 2017, the incident created a massive media firestorm that transcended the world of mixed martial arts, forcing the fighter to make a public apology and completely change his post-fight behavior. This article, updated in late 2025, delves into the full details of the event, the ring girl involved, the immediate fallout, and how Park Dae Sung rebuilt his career in a different promotion.
The story is a powerful case study on the impact of social media and public scrutiny on a professional athlete, especially in the sensitive area of athlete-staff interaction. It ultimately defined the narrative around the fighter known as 'Crazy Dog' for years to come.
Park Dae Sung: Biography and Profile
Park Dae Sung, often referred to by his aggressive nickname 'Crazy Dog' or 'DSP,' is a highly regarded South Korean mixed martial artist who has competed in the Lightweight and Welterweight divisions. His career has seen him rise through the ranks of major Asian promotions, showcasing an aggressive, high-pressure fighting style.
- Full Name: Park Dae Sung (박대성)
- Nickname: Crazy Dog / DSP
- Nationality: South Korean
- Date of Birth: (Information not consistently public, estimated late 1990s)
- Height: Approximately 5'9" (175 cm)
- Weight Class: Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Team/Gym: Gangnam Team Pasi (Seoul)
- Education: Graduated from Jeonbuk Physical Education High School
- Major Promotions: ROAD FC (Road Fighting Championship), ONE Championship (ONE Warrior Series)
- Pro MMA Record: (Varies, but generally a strong record with significant wins in both major promotions)
- Controversy: Infamous incident with Ring Girl Choi Seol-hwa at ROAD FC 36 in 2017.
The Infamous Road FC 36 Incident with Choi Seol-hwa
The pivotal moment that thrust Park Dae Sung into international headlines occurred on February 11, 2017, at Road FC 36 in Seoul, South Korea. Park Dae Sung had just secured a hard-fought split decision victory over Brazilian fighter Rodrigo Caporal in a Lightweight bout.
The Post-Fight Photo Controversy
During the customary post-fight victory photo session in the cage, Park Dae Sung was flanked by several Road Girls (the promotion's term for ring girls). The controversy centered on his interaction with one specific ring girl: Choi Seol-hwa (최설화).
As the photographers prepared to take the picture, Park Dae Sung was captured on video grabbing Choi Seol-hwa's waist and pulling her towards him. The footage clearly showed the ring girl expressing discomfort and attempting to pull away from the fighter's grip.
The Immediate Backlash and Apology
The video and photos quickly went viral across South Korean and international media, igniting a massive public backlash. Critics immediately labeled the action as inappropriate, non-consensual, and a form of sexual harassment. The public outcry was swift and unforgiving, forcing the promotion and the fighter to address the situation immediately.
In response to the overwhelming criticism, Park Dae Sung issued a public apology. The fighter expressed regret for his actions, stating he was overcome with emotion after his victory and did not intend to cause any discomfort. The matter was also reported to have been handled by the police and resolved after the apology, though the exact legal proceedings were not widely publicized.
The Lasting Impact: From Controversy to Caution
The fallout from the Choi Seol-hwa incident had a profound and visible impact on Park Dae Sung’s subsequent public appearances. The controversy effectively changed the way he and other fighters interacted with ring girls in the cage, highlighting a cultural shift in the MMA world regarding athlete-staff boundaries.
The "Running" Incident at Road FC 39
Just a few months later, at Road FC 39 in July 2017, Park Dae Sung secured another victory, this time over Kyung Pyo Kim. The post-fight celebration became a story in itself. Mindful of the previous backlash, Park Dae Sung was observed actively avoiding the ring girls who approached him for the traditional victory photo.
In a scene rarely witnessed in MMA, the fighter appeared to sprint away from the center of the cage, seemingly running from the ring girls to prevent any opportunity for a repeat controversy or further accusation. This action, while unusual, underscored the deep psychological effect the previous incident had on the athlete, who was determined to keep a safe distance to protect his career.
The Career Rebirth in ONE Championship
The controversy coincided with the end of Park Dae Sung's tenure at Road FC. Seeking a fresh start and a new platform, Park Dae Sung transitioned to the Singapore-based global promotion, ONE Championship, in 2018. This move was crucial for his career's longevity and reputation.
In ONE Championship, Park Dae Sung found significant success, primarily competing in the Lightweight division. He became one of the biggest success stories to emerge from the ONE Warrior Series feeder program. Between 2018 and 2022, Park compiled an impressive 5-2 record in the promotion, defeating notable opponents like Kimihiro Eto (twice) and Amir Khan at events such as ONE: COLLISION COURSE II. His performances solidified his status as a top-tier lightweight contender, aiming for challenges against fighters like Pieter Buist and others.
His successful run in ONE Championship proved that despite the career-threatening controversy, his fighting talent was undeniable. As of late 2025, Park Dae Sung is considered to be on a break or has quietly stepped away from active competition, with his last major news being his push for a title shot in the ONE Lightweight division, a far cry from the scandal that once defined him.
Key Entities and Figures in the Controversy
The incident involved a network of individuals and organizations that shaped the narrative and its resolution:
- Choi Seol-hwa: The Road Girl (Ring Girl) at the center of the controversy. Her public discomfort highlighted the issue of non-consensual contact in post-fight celebrations.
- Park Dae Sung ('Crazy Dog'): The MMA fighter whose celebratory action sparked the global discussion on sexual harassment in sports.
- ROAD FC (Road Fighting Championship): The South Korean promotion that hosted the event and was forced to deal with the immediate media fallout and public relations crisis.
- Rodrigo Caporal: The opponent Park Dae Sung defeated at ROAD FC 36, whose fight was overshadowed by the post-fight incident.
- Kyung Pyo Kim: The opponent at ROAD FC 39, where Park Dae Sung's subsequent refusal to pose with the ring girls became the main talking point.
- ONE Championship: The global promotion where Park Dae Sung successfully rebuilt his career after leaving ROAD FC.
The Park Dae Sung ring girl incident remains a cautionary tale in the world of professional sports. It serves as a stark reminder of the power of public perception and the critical need for clear, professional boundaries between athletes and promotional staff, demonstrating how a single, celebratory moment can alter a professional trajectory forever.
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