During his first training session with the Korean team, Lee Kang-in was scheduled to be interviewed right on the field. Standing in front of a large group of reporters, the Paris Saint-Germain star bowed his head and apologized to the fans and the Korean team.
" I would like to thank Coach Hwang Sun-hong for giving me the opportunity. Everyone has given me love, care and support throughout the 2023 Asian Cup, but I have not responded appropriately. I am sorry for disappointing everyone. I learned a lot from the recent incident. Everyone's words helped me and I also thought a lot ," Lee Kang-in said.
Lee Kang-in bowed his head in apology to the media and fans.
Lee Kang-in has faced a huge wave of criticism and boycott after the 2023 Asian Cup, stemming from the scuffle between him and Son Heung-min. The PSG youngster was considered by fans to be at fault in this incident. On February 21, Lee Kang-in went to London to apologize to Son Heung-min. The Tottenham captain accepted the apology and called on Korean fans to be generous to his junior.
The two players received no punishment and were still called up by coach Hwang Sun-hong to the national team for two matches against Thailand this March.
" From now on, I will practice to not only become a good soccer player but also become a better, more useful person and a role model ," Lee Kang-in added.
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min said: " I met Lee in England. Yesterday, we met again here. Lee sincerely apologized to the team members for his mistakes. The players accepted that action. Apologizing is also a brave act. I think through this, the national team will become more united ."
Son Heung-min also took responsibility for himself. He apologized for being part of the incident. The Tottenham striker wants the Korean media to stop mentioning this story, including his finger injury after the incident.
Coach Hwang Sun-hong said: " We will try our best to play against Thailand to make up for our fans. I hope the players feel the same way as me ."
The Korean team will meet Thailand in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia on March 21 and March 26 respectively.
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