During the first training session with the Korean team, Lee Kang-in was scheduled to be interviewed on the field. Standing in front of a large number of reporters, the star of Paris Saint-Germain bowed his head and apologized to the fans and the Korean team.
"I want to thank Coach Hwang Sun-hong for giving me the opportunity. Everyone gave me love, care and support throughout the 2023 Asian Cup but I did not reciprocate accordingly. I'm sorry for disappointing you all. I learned many things from the recent incident. Everyone's words help me and I also think a lot“, Lee Kang-in stated.
Lee Kang-in bowed his head and apologized to the media and fans.
Lee Kang-in suffered a huge wave of criticism and boycott after the 2023 Asian Cup, stemming from the scandal between him and Son Heung-min. The young PSG player is considered by fans to be at fault in this matter. On February 21, Lee Kang-in went to London to apologize to Son Heung-min. Tottenham's captain accepted the apology and called on Korean fans to be generous with his juniors.
The two players did not receive any penalties 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 to become a better, more useful and exemplary person.“, 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 thing to do. I think through this, the national team will be more cohesive".
Son Heung-min also took responsibility for himself. I'm sorry for being part of it. The Tottenham striker wishes the Korean media would no longer mention this story, including his finger injury after the incident.
Coach Hwang Sun-hong expressed: “We will try our best to play against Thailand to make amends with the fans. I hope the players feel the same as me".
The Korean team meets Thailand in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia, on March 21 and March 3, respectively.
