'World Cup Disappointment' Lee Seung-woo's First Confession: "It Was Regrettable and Sad, But I Must Try Again" [Jeonju Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

"It was naturally regrettable and sad. But it's in the past now."

Lee Seung-woo (28, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) said with a forced smile. This was after the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 15 match against Kim Cheon (SVP) at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on the 17th, when he met with reporters. Having been left off the final 2026 FIFA North America World Cup squad announced the previous day, he revealed his feelings about missing the World Cup roster for the first time.

In response to the reporters' cautious questions, Lee Seung-woo surprisingly answered calmly. He said, "I also watched the press conference. It was regrettable and sad, and I naturally felt that way," but added, "I did my best. The decision was up to (Hong Myung-bo) coach, so I respect his choice. I was naturally disappointed, and many other teammates who helped me a lot were also very disappointed. Still, I think we wrapped it up well with smiles."

He gave his all, and with that came high expectations, so the sense of loss was great. Lee Seung-woo appeared in 15 K League 1 matches this season, recording 3 goals and 1 assist. While his role at Jeonbuk was more of a joker or a rotating starter rather than a fixed first-choice player, he scored two consecutive goals ahead of the World Cup roster announcement, showing a steep upward trend. Moreover, he scored in the FC Anyang match where Coach Hong Myung-bo visited the stadium. With Coach Hong's public declaration that he would select the players in the best condition in May, much attention was focused on whether Lee Seung-woo would be selected.

Of course, a 'twist' was needed. Since Coach Hong Myung-bo took charge, Lee Seung-woo was called up only once, in October 2024 for the Jordan and Iraq matches. Even that was a 'replacement selection' due to injuries to second-line attacking resources such as Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) and Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City). He also came on as a substitute in the final minutes of the fourth World Cup qualifier against Iraq, but that was the first and only time he was called up and played under Coach Hong. Afterward, Lee Seung-woo, who had been ignored by Coach Hong, could only have a chance at the World Cup through a 'surprise selection.'

Still, his weapons were clear. Having already experienced the World Cup stage once, he possessed distinct advantages unique to him: the ability to play across all attacking areas, individual skills that can shake up opposing defenses even in tight spaces, and aggressive dribbling ability. Even if not selected for the starting lineup at the World Cup, his utility as a joker who could change the flow of the game was undeniable. Jeonbuk's head coach Jeong Jeong-yong even expressed that "there are no players like Lee Seung-woo in Korea."

However, Lee Seung-woo's name was ultimately not included in Coach Hong Myung-bo's plan. He was not completely outcompeted. According to the football community, a fierce competition was formed between Lee Seung-woo and other second-line attacking resources within the national team coaching staff, including Coach Hong, during the process of compiling the final World Cup roster. After differing opinions among the coaching staff and intense discussions, the World Cup opportunity ultimately went to a player other than Lee Seung-woo.

But there is no giving up. Of course, in four years, Lee Seung-woo will be 32, and for an attacking player of his style, it may be past his prime. However, Lee Seung-woo has begun to set aside the regret of missing the World Cup roster and has started to dream of participating in the next World Cup. If he gets to play in the next World Cup stage, it will be the first time since the 2018 Russia tournament, 12 years later, and his second personal World Cup appearance.

Lee Seung-woo said, "We don't have time to keep feeling regretful and sad; that's our profession. It will happen someday," smiling, and then added, "There are many people who have it harder than me, and many who face unfortunate situations. I actually feel grateful. I hope the South Korea national team does well in this World Cup. I will rest well and then challenge again," he said with determination.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.