'K League Return Falls Through' Ki Sung-yueng: "If Hurt by Lies, I Will Repay with Truth"

Text posted in English by Ki Sung-yueng on Instagram Story / Photo by Ki Sung-yueng Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Sung-yeol] Ki Sung-yueng, whose return to the K League this season fell through, left a meaningful message.

On the 11th, Ki Sung-yueng posted on his Instagram story in English, "Hurt me with a lie and I can hurt you with the truth."

He continued, "Stop playing with me u ain't gonna like when I play back."

Ki Sung-yueng did not specify who the message was directed at, but it is interpreted as referring to FC Seoul.

After parting ways with Newcastle United in the English Premier League (EPL), Ki Sung-yueng sought to join the K League and negotiated with his original club FC Seoul, but they failed to reach an agreement due to differences over salary.

He then contacted Jeonbuk Hyundai, but the move was blocked due to a contract clause requiring a penalty fee to Seoul if he joined another K League club.

Earlier that day, Ki Sung-yueng's agent, 'C2 Global,' released a statement announcing that Ki Sung-yueng's return to the K League had fallen through. Fans speculate that Ki Sung-yueng's Instagram post is related to this.

The agent stated, "Ki Sung-yueng's return to the K League this season will not happen unless a very special variable occurs. Currently, according to the player's wishes, negotiations are underway with multiple overseas clubs."

Regarding the reason for the press release, they explained, "Ki Sung-yueng notified both FC Seoul and Jeonbuk Hyundai on February 10, 2020, that negotiations were terminated. This was due to the recognition that the K League return, which was pursued in good faith, was escalating into a situation that could cause confusion not only to the two clubs but to the entire K League."