Midfielder Lee Kang-in has broken his silence following a disappointing World Cup campaign, addressing fans with a sincere apology and a commitment to future growth. The 25-year-old, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, returned to South Korea on June 30th, not as a celebrated hero, but alongside former national team coach Hong Myung-bo, whose tenure was marked by underperformance. While the national team faced a significant setback in their bid for the 2026 World Cup, Lee Kang-in himself managed to stand out amidst the team’s struggles. He was notably selected for the best eleven in the group stage, a rare distinction among nations that failed to advance to the tournament’s knockout rounds. His performance even drew comparisons, though not always favorable, to captain Son Heung-min.
Lee Kang-in’s Public Apology and Reflection
Taking to his personal social media on July 3rd, Lee Kang-in initiated contact with supporters, expressing his gratitude for their unwavering encouragement. He conveyed his deep regret for not meeting expectations, stating, “This World Cup was a tournament that made me reflect deeply on many things as a player. I thank all the fans who cheered for the national team. I am also deeply sorry for not being able to repay your expectations with satisfactory results.”
His message extended beyond individual disappointment, acknowledging the collective effort involved in the World Cup journey. “Over the past four years, there were the efforts and sacrifices of many people, including my teammates, the coaching staff, support staff, and medical team. I am also regretful that we could not show results commensurate with that time,” Lee Kang-in shared. He emphasized that accountability is paramount when results fall short.
Commitment to a Brighter Future
Looking ahead, Lee Kang-in made a firm promise for the future of the national team. “When the results are not good, I believe the first thing one must have is not regret, but responsibility. I also could have shown a better performance, and I should have done better. I will not forget these results and will grow to become a player who contributes more to the team,” he pledged. This commitment signals a desire to learn from the recent setbacks and emerge as a more impactful player for South Korea.
Addressing Speculation Surrounding Coach Hong Myung-bo
The South Korean football landscape is currently navigating a turbulent period following the World Cup exit. Amidst the emotional fallout, factual reporting has been overshadowed by speculation, particularly concerning former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. Reports have circulated regarding his departure from the country, with some suggesting he utilized VIP services upon arrival in Los Angeles.
Coach Hong departed for Los Angeles on July 2nd to spend time with his family. However, claims that he used a “VIP passage” at the airport have been factually disputed. A close associate of the coach clarified the situation on July 4th, stating, “Upon arrival at Los Angeles Airport, an airport official, concerned about potential security issues, guided the coach to a departure gate for transferring passengers, located about 30 meters from the regular entrance. The notion that the coach used VIP services is not true. Furthermore, upon later confirmation, I understand that Asiana Airlines does not offer such services.”
Support for Coach Hong Amidst Criticism
Park Sung-sub, who worked with Coach Hong during the World Cup, expressed his distress over the media’s portrayal of the coach’s travel arrangements. “When you are going through the most difficult and exhausting times in the world, who do you turn to? It’s family. I was heartbroken to hear the reports of Coach Hong Myung-bo’s ‘VIP-like’ departure to Los Angeles. Going to family is not a VIP act,” Park stated. He further emphasized the importance of grounding criticism in factual accuracy: “All criticism must be based on accurate facts to be considered legitimate and constructive.”
Coach Hong is expected to remain in the United States for the time being. He plans to return to South Korea if circumstances arise domestically, such as a summons for a parliamentary hearing or other official inquiries.
