"Keep Running Hard with Head Down," Kim Min-jae's First Remark After National Team Discord

First Mention of the National Team's Turbulent Atmosphere
Lee Jae-sung Also Comments on the 'Rebellion' Incident

Kim Min-jae, a member of Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga, expressed his opinion on the internal conflict within the national football team. After the league match against Mainz held on the 9th at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Kim Min-jae was asked about the recent chaotic atmosphere of the South Korean national football team. He said, "All players must have been stressed about this. I think we just have to bury our heads and get on with it." He added, "The most important issue is how we come together again as one," emphasizing, "The attitude shown on the field is also important."

On January 20th (local time), at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, during the second match of Group E in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup between Jordan and Korea, which ended in a 2-2 draw, national team player Kim Min-jae is greeting the fans.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The South Korean national football team was eliminated after losing 0-2 to Jordan in a lackluster match during the semifinals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup held last February. It was reported that there was a physical altercation between captain Son Heung-min and the youngest player Lee Kang-in the day before the match. This is the first time Kim Min-jae, a key defender of the national team, has commented on the incident.

Regarding the question about the Asian Cup semifinal elimination, Kim Min-jae said, "As you saw in the tournament, honestly, Asian teams have become much more evenly matched, and many strong teams, including Japan and South Korea, were eliminated." He continued, "It seems like it doesn't matter who plays where or anything like that. It doesn't matter if the skill is good or not. I think the quality of the team is determined by who runs one step further and who sacrifices more."

After the league match against Mainz held on the 9th at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Kim Min-jae was asked about the recent unsettled atmosphere surrounding the South Korean national football team. He said, "All the players must have been stressed about this. I think we just have to bury our heads and get on with it."
[Photo by YouTube channel 'Seohyeonguk's Polri TV']

Lee Jae-sung of Mainz, who faced Munich that day, also spoke about the national team. He said, "I think not only me but all players are cautious about talking about the national team." He added, "As a senior player, I think I have to lead well. I believe all players have felt a lot, and I think we can overcome this by talking more with the younger players through this incident." He continued, "Although we caused disappointment and sadness to the people through the Asian Cup, we just need to bring happiness and joy again through football. We need to create those moments, so I hope everyone works hard together to create a good atmosphere."

Meanwhile, the Korea Football Association is scheduled to announce the national team roster on the 11th for the Asian second round qualifier against Thailand in the '2026 CONCACAF World Cup' to be held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 21st. Attention is focused on whether Hwang Sun-hong, who temporarily took over as head coach after the dismissal of former national team coach J?rgen Klinsmann, will select Lee Kang-in.