With a stern expression, raising both hands in a restraint gesture
Expressed apology at the official press conference ahead of Oman match
Kim Min-jae apologized for the confrontation with fans immediately after the recent match against Palestine. On the 9th, an official press conference was held at the City Seasons Hotel in Muscat, Oman, the venue for the upcoming match between Korea and Oman in the 2nd round of Group B of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asian third qualifiers. The press conference was attended by head coach Hong Myung-bo and player Kim Min-jae. When asked about the incident during the Palestine match, Kim Min-jae responded, "I told the fans in the stands that I was asking them, and I don't think it was wrong to say that (to refrain), but I do think my actions afterward were wrong."
Football national team player Kim Min-jae, ahead of the North and Central America World Cup third qualifying match against Oman, is speaking at the official press conference held on the afternoon of the 9th (local time) at the City Seasons Hotel in Muscat, Oman, one day before the match. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Earlier, on the 5th, Kim Min-jae was involved in a confrontation with fans after the first match of the World Cup third qualifiers against Palestine. He protested to the Red Devils supporters who had been booing every time Coach Hong appeared on the scoreboard before the match. With a stern expression, Kim Min-jae raised both hands in a gesture asking for restraint and pleaded, "Please support only the players." After saying this and turning away, he was seen shaking his head. Additionally, while greeting fans by walking around the field with his teammates, he refused to bow to the Red Devils supporters, standing upright, which sparked criticism.
Kim Min-jae said, "(After the incident) my mentality is fine. However, it has become an opportunity to think about how to build relationships with the fans going forward." He added, "I saw an article that the supporters have decided not to boo anymore. I am grateful for that." He repeatedly emphasized, "I think my actions were wrong, and I am reflecting on them."
Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the national soccer team, is answering questions from the press at an official press conference held on the afternoon of the 9th (local time) at the City Seasons Hotel in Muscat, Oman, one day before the third round of the North and Central America World Cup qualifiers against Oman. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Meanwhile, head coach Hong Myung-bo, who is at the center of the controversy, vowed to secure a victory in the upcoming match against Oman. Coach Hong said, "I cannot predict the match result, but I will do my best to earn 3 points." He continued, "I feel that the team has improved overall compared to the last home game. The players' condition has generally gotten better." He explained, "Training together for an extra day or two in terms of game management and tactics will be a great help." He also said, "It won't be easy, but our players have experience in these areas. The core players have experienced the final round of World Cup qualifiers." He concluded, "I trust our players. I hope they forget the last match and focus on the upcoming game."
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