'Suffering from malicious comments' Seol Young-woo opens up: "Criticism was natural when I couldn't perform... I don't pay attention" [World Cup]

*This content was translated by AI.

South Korea national football team defender Seol Young-woo (Crvena Zvezda) bowed his head. Following the shocking loss to South Africa, he expressed his heavy sense of responsibility for the conceded goal and openly shared his feelings regarding tactical criticism and malicious comments directed at him.

The South Korea national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, lost 0-1 to South Africa in the third match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF A Group qualifiers held at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, at 10 a.m. (Korea time) on the 25th.

As a result, South Korea, now with one win and two losses (three points), has fallen to third place in the group, leaving their chances of advancing to the tournament dependent on results in other groups—a humiliating situation.

After the match, Seol Young-woo met reporters in the mixed zone, saying, "I am very disappointed that we lost. We failed to seize the opportunity to advance on our own," expressing deep regret over the current situation where they must wait solely for the results of other teams.

Regarding the main cause of the day's defeat, he first emphasized his responsibility as a defender. Seol Young-woo honestly admitted, "We lost because we didn't perform well. South Korea did not show a better performance than our opponent." He continued, "It is regrettable that I, as a defender, allowed a goal. If we had not conceded and secured at least a draw, we would have been in a position to advance on our own. Because we gave up a goal, I feel a great sense of responsibility as a defender and only feel sorry."

Regarding South Africa's sharp counterattacks, he blamed himself, saying, "We prepared knowing that teams like South Africa and other African teams are characterized by good speed and frequent counterattacks, yet we conceded a goal in precisely that aspect."

However, when asked whether the extreme heat or high-altitude environment in the local area was a variable, he drew a firm line. Seol Young-woo stated, "It wasn't just us who were hot; the opponent faced the same conditions, so the weather cannot be the reason for our defeat." He added, "When we played in the highlands of Guadalajara, it was difficult at first, but we had sufficient adaptation training. Even coming here now, I did not feel any significant burden or difficulty." He refused to make excuses.

Regarding the condition of key defender Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), who was abruptly substituted out in the second half due to a calf injury, he replied, "Therefore, I haven't had separate communication with Min-jae regarding the injury, so I don't know the details well."

He shook his head at concerns raised by some that the chaotic atmosphere within and outside the football community prior to the tournament negatively affected the squad. He said, "Personally, I tried not to pay attention to stories coming from the outside." He emphasized, "Ultimately, it is our players who run on the field. Since all players were selected through good evaluations and processes, we tried to unite as one and show our best performance."

On this day, Seol Young-woo also openly shared his feelings about the critical public opinion, malicious comments, and position controversies that had troubled him during the tournament. Addressing the criticism that his performance declined because he alternated between left and right full-back positions, he said, "It seems many people are dissatisfied with me playing on the left."

He continued, "Previously, when I played well on the left, didn't you say I did well?" He added, "Some say 'this guy can't play on the left' based on just one or two matches. I have played on both sides even at my former club, Ulsan. Personally, I do not feel more comfortable on either side, and there is no difference in performance based on position." He stated his conviction.

He also showed a mature attitude of confidently accepting public criticism as a professional player. Seol Young-woo said, "Since my performance was not good, it is natural for many people to voice their opinions." He added, "Just as a player receives praise when they show good performance, they must be prepared to receive corresponding criticism when they do not. I am the type of person who does not pay much attention to such things. The only way to repay the fans is to show good performance again."

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*This content was translated by AI.