Lee Jun-seok tells Hong Joon-pyo, "I never appointed 'Lee Kang-in as Character Director'"

"Conservative Camp Lacks Even the Minimal Ideological Elements of Liberalism"

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform New Party, shared an article on Facebook on the 24th stating that Hong Joon-pyo, mayor of Daegu, criticized Lee Kang-in, and pointed out, "It is free to criticize the Football Association, but for a politician to persistently comment on a player's character only worsens the situation."

Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

So far, Mayor Hong has repeatedly criticized Lee Kang-in regarding rumors of discord within the national football team. Even after news surfaced that Lee Kang-in apologized to player Son Heung-min, Hong did not stop his harsh remarks, saying, "Reconciliation is merely a mitigating circumstance. Where does that mindset go?" In response, Lee Jun-seok sharply stated, "No one has ever appointed Mayor Hong as the 'Lee Kang-in Character Director.'"

He also lamented, "Every time I see such scenes, I feel that the so-called conservative camp in our politics does not even possess the minimal ideological standards of liberalism."

Regarding the national team, Lee expressed gratitude, saying, "I feel thankful to see the most outstanding individuals in their fields representing the country and striving." He emphasized, "From the start, no one has the right to lecture, teach, or mock anyone else."

He added, "As a citizen, I only hope they will put on even better performances in the future. 'Maturity' is something each person should handle on their own."

Mayor Hong began voicing his strong criticism of Lee Kang-in and related controversies through Facebook on the 16th. He wrote, "Just as in politics, where those criticized as hopeless are ousted regardless of ability, the same logic applies in football and sports. Players who are rude or act recklessly out of vanity should be removed," urging action against such representatives.

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]

Lee Kang-in, a national football team player, posted a second apology on social media on the 21st, about ten days after a conflict with team captain Son Heung-min arose on the 6th, and announced that he went to London, UK, to apologize in person. On the same day, Son Heung-min posted a photo with Lee Kang-in, appealing, "Kang-in is going through a difficult time. Please forgive him with a generous heart."