Lee Seung-woo reveals his feelings about missing out on Hong Myung-bo's team: "I knelt and prayed"...Kim Young-gwang delivers blunt remark, "The coach was stubborn" [Ras][★Night TView]

*This content was translated by AI.

Soccer player Lee Seung-woo spoke about the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup national team.

In an episode of MBC's variety program 'Radio Star' that aired on the 22nd, titled "Let's Stop Crying Now," Kim Jung-min, Kim Young-gwang, Lee Seung-woo, and Jeong Seung-hwan appeared as guests.

On this occasion, Lee Seung-woo honestly shared his feelings about not making it to the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup national team: "Just like four years ago, whenever the World Cup approaches, my performance improves. There was a lot of talk about whether I would make it or not. On the day the roster was announced, I knelt and prayed alone while watching. As I transitioned from midfielder to forward, my name wasn't there. I immediately turned off the TV. For several days, my heart hurt terribly."

When asked if there had been any hints, Lee Seung-woo replied: "(Coach Hong Myung-bo) came to watch my games. He seemed unsure whether I would make it or not. Every time he came, I scored a goal. It looked like I'd make it, but I didn't."

Kim Young-gwang responded with a candid opinion that shocked the scene: "I always said Seung-woo should be selected. But now it's just the coach being stubborn."

He continued, "In a way, this is my personal view, but Seung-woo has something that Korean players don't possess. Although he is a Korean player, he has a unique rhythm reminiscent of Africa. So, in fact, we need a player who can create differences, and if Seung-woo had gone to the World Cup, I think he would have made that difference. I said he should be selected, but strangely, despite my insistence, he wasn't chosen."

Lee Seung-woo recalled, "Last year, they once selected me for a team. Even though I returned to Oh Raen-man-e (CEO)team, the fans were very happy, and when I entered the stadium, I almost cried. Although I couldn't go as a player, I received an offer to work as a commentator. Since it was during the season, the distance was too far, so I couldn't go. If I had been fluent in Spanish, I think I could have done well and enjoyed it. It's a bit regrettable."

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*This content was translated by AI.