Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in Reconcile, Football Association Delighted "As If We Won the Championship"

Reluctance Over Disciplining Two Players Earlier
Football Association Searching for New Coach Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

The Korea Football Association reacted to the dramatic reconciliation between Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in by saying they were "as happy as if they had won a championship." On the 21st, Jeong Hae-seong, chairman of the National Team Strengthening Committee of the Football Association, said at a press conference held at the Football Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul, "Upon hearing the news, I was very excited and happy as if we had won a championship."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding whether the two players will be able to wear the Taegeuk mark during the upcoming March A-match period, he stated, "Whether to select the two players or not will be discussed after observing the situation from now on and once a new coach is appointed." The national team is preparing for the 3rd and 4th matches of the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup Asian second qualifying round against Thailand during the March A-match period (18?26).

Earlier, when the internal conflict within the national team caused by the clash between the two players became a heated controversy, the Football Association said it would not proceed with disciplinary measures against the two players but mentioned the possibility of not calling them up to the national team as a form of discipline. On the 16th, during the press conference announcing the dismissal of coach J?rgen Klinsmann, Football Association Chairman Chung Mong-gyu responded to related questions by saying, "The media and fans need to help as well. They are all young people," and added, "I reviewed the disciplinary clauses. I think the only disciplinary measure is not calling them up to the national team. I believe the matter should be discussed once a new national team coach is appointed."

Lee Kang-in Flies to London to Meet Son Heung-min and Apologizes in Person

Earlier on the 21st, Lee Kang-in revealed on social networking services (SNS) that he flew to London, UK, to meet Son Heung-min and posted another apology. He bowed his head, saying, "During the last Asian Cup tournament, my short-sightedness and reckless behavior caused great disappointment to Heung-min hyung, the entire team, and football fans." He continued, "At the dinner that day, I did something that should never have been done, and I deeply regret those actions," offering repeated apologies.

Son Heung-min (left), captain of the South Korean national football team, is posing warmly with Lee Kang-in.
[Photo by Son Heung-min Instagram]

Son Heung-min also shared his thoughts about Lee Kang-in through SNS. Son said, "Lee Kang-in sincerely reflected on his actions and offered heartfelt apologies to me and all the players on the national team," and shared a photo of them warmly putting their arms around each other's shoulders. Son reflected on himself, saying, "I also made mistakes and showed bad behavior when I was young, but thanks to the stern advice and guidance of good seniors, I was able to reach this position." He added, "As a senior and captain, I will specially take care of Kang-in so that he does not repeat his wrong actions and can grow into a good person and a good player."

Son seemed mindful of the criticism Lee Kang-in faced from netizens and the cancellation of various advertising contracts due to this incident, saying, "Kang-in is going through a difficult time," and appealed, "As the captain of the national team, I ask you to forgive him with a generous heart just this once." The Football Association has already begun the process of appointing a national team coach for the upcoming schedule starting with the World Cup qualifiers next month. It is known that both domestic and overseas coaches are being considered as candidates.