Lee Kang-in's Apology Moves Lee Cheon-su to Tears: "This Is Not Right" Harsh Criticism

Lee Cheon-su Makes Candid Remarks About Lee Kang-in on YouTube
National Soccer Team Holds Official Training Ahead of World Cup

Former national football player Lee Chun-soo expressed the opinion that "that scene was somewhat inappropriate" regarding Lee Kang-in (23, Paris Saint-Germain), who had a conflict with Son Heung-min (32, Tottenham), the captain of the South Korean national football team during the Qatar Asian Cup, holding an apology press conference on the training ground where his teammates were practicing.

On the 22nd, Lee Chun-soo said through his YouTube channel Lee Chun-soo, "Honestly, making him apologize in front of the camera while the kids were running was a bit much," adding, "Lee Kang-in admitted his mistake. But making him apologize while the players were running is exactly the same as when I was at Jeonnam."

Lee Kang-in, who caused controversy for 'insubordination' due to a physical clash with captain Son Heung-min during the Asian Cup, is expressing his feelings ahead of the training session held on the 20th at Seoul World Cup Stadium before the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup second qualifying match against Thailand. Behind him, Son Heung-min and other national team players are warming up with running.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

In March 2009, Lee Chun-soo showed unsavory behavior such as throwing a 'fist potato' in dissatisfaction with the referee's decision during a match between Jeonnam Dragons and FC Seoul. As a result, he was suspended for six games and ordered to perform community service at home games by the Korea Professional Football League.

Usually, before professional matches start, youth players from the home club enter holding fair play flags, but this disciplinary action was imposed on professional player Lee Chun-soo. At that time, there was criticism that it was public humiliation for Lee Chun-soo. Ulsan Hyundai coach Hong Myung-bo also said at the time, "Chun-soo was punished for throwing a fist potato, but a player should not be the one carrying the fair play flag."

He said, "'Chun-soo was punished, but a player should not be the one carrying the fair play flag,' Hong Myung-bo hyung said in an interview," adding, "What is that supposed to be? The kids were running. Lee Kang-in did wrong, and he admitted it. Watching that made me a bit upset."

He continued, "They should have done it where the players couldn't see, or the players should have joined together," and said, "He was wrong, but still, they are seniors. The seniors should have just stood there when Lee Kang-in was apologizing. But he was apologizing while the others were exercising and running, and that seems a bit inappropriate."

The South Korean national football team held an official training session on the 20th at Seoul World Cup Stadium ahead of the 2026 FIFA CONCACAF Asian second qualifying round match against Thailand.

On that day, Lee Kang-in held a press conference on the training ground where the players were exercising and said, "During the Asian Cup period, I received so much love, attention, and support, but I am very sorry for disappointing you by not repaying that. I also learned a lot from this opportunity. From now on, I will strive not only to be a good football player but also a better person."

According to explanations from the Korea Football Association and some media reports, Son Heung-min suffered a finger injury after clashing with Lee Kang-in and others ahead of the semi-final match of the Qatar Asian Cup last month.

Meanwhile, when controversy arose over Lee Kang-in's insubordination toward Son Heung-min, he announced on his social media on the 21st of last month that he went to London, UK, to apologize to Son Heung-min and explained that he also contacted other senior and fellow national team players one by one to apologize.