Lee Kang-in Omission Controversy... Soccer Fans Launch Online Boycott Campaign for Thailand Match

Demand for Jeong Mong-gyu, Chairman of the Livestock Cooperative, to Resign and More

Hwang Sun-hong, the interim head coach of the South Korean national football team, selected Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), the central figure of the so-called 'Table Tennis Gate,' for the national team, sparking a growing 'online boycott of the Thailand match' movement among football fans.

Soccer players Lee Kang-in (left) and Son Heung-min (right). [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 12th, the official Instagram account of the South Korean national football team posted ticketing information and the roster for the Thailand match, where comments from football fans advocating for a boycott have been continuously appearing. They are using hashtags such as 'Chung Mong-gyu OUT (resign),' 'Not going,' and 'Not watching,' demanding the resignation of Chung Mong-gyu, the chairman, and reform of the Korea Football Association. Most football fans criticize the abnormal management of the football association throughout the process from the appointment to the dismissal of former coach J?rgen Klinsmann and argue that Chairman Chung must take responsibility.

On the same day, the operator of the football YouTube channel '4231' also proposed a boycott of attending the Thailand match scheduled for the 21st through his Instagram. He even created and shared a poster-style image urging fans to boycott attending the game. The '4231' operator stated, "Korea Football Association Chairman Chung Mong-gyu has pushed players to the edge for his own personal gain. The players have no choice but to remain silent. Now, we act on their behalf." He urged, "Please leave your seats empty. For the happiness of the players and the future of Korean football, Chung Mong-gyu must step down, and spectators should leave their seats empty. Your one day of watching the game live could destroy 30 years of the players' careers." The post received over 10,000 likes within a day.

A boycott poster image for the Thailand match produced by the soccer YouTube channel '4231'. [Image source=Instagram capture]

Earlier last month, the British media outlet The Sun reported that "Son Heung-min dislocated his finger during an argument with teammates at a dinner the night before the Asian Cup semi-final," bringing the so-called 'Table Tennis Gate' controversy to light. Subsequently, the Korea Football Association acknowledged the incident, explaining that after dinner, when Son Heung-min reprimanded younger players who went to play table tennis, an argument escalated into a physical altercation. As a result, Son dislocated his right middle and ring fingers. As the controversy grew, Lee Kang-in apologized via social media and announced that he personally visited Son Heung-min in London to apologize.

Meanwhile, on the 11th, Coach Hwang announced the roster for the two-match series against Thailand in the 2026 FIFA World Cup North and Central America (CONCACAF) Asian second qualifying round at the Football Association Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Key players including captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur), Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) were all included. The criticism intensified as Lee Kang-in was reinstated to the national team without any disciplinary action. However, Coach Hwang said, "Son Heung-min said we should embrace Lee Kang-in, reconcile, and move forward," adding, "Based on my experience as a player, I believe it is best to resolve issues that happen on the field as quickly as possible on the field."

On the other hand, some voices criticize the boycott. They say, "We will join the movement for the chairman's resignation, but it is right to support the players who play on the field," and "We must support the team even in difficult times," opposing the idea of emptying the stands.