Son Heung-min pats a bowed Lee Kang-in... 'Tiki-taka' ending their conflict

Kang-in Lee's Apology Met with Son Heung-min's Immediate Response
Emotional Goal Seals Reconciliation Between the Two Players

The rumored conflict between the national football team captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), which surfaced around the Asian Cup, appears to have been dramatically resolved. After Lee Kang-in went to London to visit Son Heung-min and apologized, Son immediately posted a 'two-shot' photo, signaling a gesture of reconciliation. It was a perfect harmony, as if the national team players were passing the ball to each other.

The first to bow was Lee Kang-in. On the 21st, Lee posted a lengthy apology on his social media account. He stated, "I thought it was important to visit Hyung Heung-min in person and sincerely apologize," and added, "Through a long conversation, I understood the weight he carries as the team captain and took time to reflect on myself."

National soccer team players Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

He also added, "I would like to once again thank Hyung Heung-min, who warmly welcomed and accepted me when I visited London, through this message."

Son Heung-min's 'response' did not take long. Son posted on Instagram, "Kang-in sincerely reflected and offered heartfelt apologies to me and all the national team players," and said, "When I was younger, I also made many mistakes and showed bad sides, but thanks to the advice and guidance of good seniors, I believe I am where I am today."

Son said, "As a senior player and captain of the national team, all players will especially look after Kang-in so that he never repeats such wrong behavior and can grow into a better person and player," and added, "I do not think my actions were right and believe they were deserving of criticism." He also posted a warm 'two-shot' photo taken with Lee Kang-in.

A two-shot photo posted by Son Heung-min on social networking service (SNS) [Image source=Instagram]

Earlier, rumors of a physical clash between Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in before the Qatar Asian Cup semifinal deepened the rift between the two.

Disappointed criticism from football fans poured in. Lee Kang-in, at the center of the controversy, faced the harshest criticism. A chicken franchise that had Lee Kang-in as an advertising model even withdrew their contract. Son Heung-min, the team captain, was not spared from criticism either. Some netizens left malicious comments on Son’s social media, saying things like "Are you still the captain after that?"

However, with Lee Kang-in personally visiting Son Heung-min in London to apologize and Son responding with a gesture of reconciliation, the conflict between the two players seems to have come to an end for now. In his apology, Lee Kang-in said, "I know the disappointment is as great as the love you have shown me," and added, "I will strive and dedicate myself to grow as a football player and as a person."