Companies under pressure to cut ties with Lee Kang-in for fighting with Son Heung-min

Chicken chain Arachi has seen a large number of Instagram followers demanding the removal of the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder’s pictures.

Lee began endorsing the chain in January 2023.

A user said on Feb. 17: "I won't buy it even if I'm starving. Change the advertising model."

A company official said it is considering other options now as Lee's contract nears its end, according to the Korea Herald.

In the last six months Arachi has reportedly spent more than KRW500 million ($374,000) to feature Lee with its products.

Social media users are up in arms after Lee reportedly got into a fight with beloved Tottenham Hotspurs captain Son before South Korea’s last match in the Asian Cup.

Yonhap reported that Lee tried to throw a punch at Son but missed in an altercation at dinner the night before the game. Son dislocated his finger during the discord.

Leading South Korean mobile carrier KT Corp. has pulled its advertisements featuring Lee days before their contract’s scheduled expiry.

The campaign for its Galaxy S24 Series featuring the footballer was to have run until Saturday, but the company last week directed its outlets nationwide to remove advertising posters featuring him.

Lee has acknowledged the incident on his Instagram account and apologized.

"I caused huge disappointment to football fans who always support our national team. I'm very sorry."