Son Heung-min "It Became an Opportunity to Unite Closely"
Lee Kang-in, who was criticized for a 'rebellion controversy' after a physical clash with captain Son Heung-min during the 2023 Qatar Asian Cup, apologized, saying, "I am sorry for disappointing you and not being able to repay your support."
Lee Kang-in, who sparked controversy over the 'Hageuksang' incident, expressed his feelings and bowed his head in apology. [Photo by Yonhap News]
According to Yonhap News and others, Lee Kang-in made these remarks on the 20th before the South Korean national football team held an official training session at Seoul World Cup Stadium a day before the second round of the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Lee Kang-in said, "I am very grateful that so many people came to see us, and I want to thank Coach Hwang Sun-hong for giving me this opportunity. During the Asian Cup, there was so much interest and support, but I was unable to repay you accordingly and caused disappointment, for which I sincerely apologize."
He continued, "All the harsh criticism will be a great help to me going forward. This is a period of deep reflection. I will work hard not only to become a good football player but also a better person, someone who can contribute more to the team and be a role model."
After finishing his remarks, Lee Kang-in bowed in greeting. He did not engage in a separate Q&A session with the press. This was the first time Lee Kang-in openly expressed his feelings since the so-called 'table tennis gate.' The Korea Football Association stated that Lee Kang-in prepared his remarks himself for the press on this day.
Earlier, it was revealed belatedly that Lee Kang-in physically clashed with Son Heung-min, who was trying to stop some players from playing table tennis the day before the Asian Cup semifinal against Jordan, which sparked public backlash. At that time, Son Heung-min suffered a finger dislocation injury while trying to stop his teammates. Facing severe criticism, Lee Kang-in posted two apology letters on his social network service (SNS) and even traveled to London, UK, to apologize to Son Heung-min in person.
Meanwhile, at the press conference held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the same day, Son Heung-min said that Lee Kang-in publicly apologized to the players again the previous evening. Son Heung-min said, "Kang-in spoke in front of all the players about what he did and what mistakes he made and offered a sincere apology. I think this has become an opportunity for us to unite. The atmosphere is not bad."
He added, "I believe it takes tremendous courage to apologize first, and I felt proud as a team that Kang-in showed such courage. As a young player, I hope this will be an opportunity for him to become stronger and to understand exactly what the national team means. I hope Kang-in becomes a more outstanding player and a better person."
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