'Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, the cannon fodder': Players who were wronged kept bowing their heads in vain... All Korean soccer leaders fled [World Cup Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

The current state of Korean soccer, which faced a major disaster by being eliminated from the World Cup group stage, is deplorable. Although they finished in their all-time lowest rank of 34th and ended their journey without even stepping onto the tournament stage, the main figures who drove Korean soccer to the brink have all disappeared. The only ones bowing their heads and taking full responsibility with their bodies are the players who poured all their strength onto the field.

Representative team ace Lee Kang-in (25, Paris Saint-Germain) posted an apology on his personal social networking service (SNS) on the 3rd, sharing his reflections after completing all North American World Cup schedules. Lee Kang-in bowed his head, saying, "This World Cup was a tournament that made me, as a player, reflect deeply on many things," and added, "I feel very sorry for not being able to repay your expectations with satisfactory results."

Lee Kang-in showed a strong start by leading the team to a 2-1 victory in the Group A opener against Czech Republic with a perfect pass that assisted Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), earning him a spot in the Round of 16 Best 11. However, South Korea subsequently lost 0-1 to both Mexico and South Africa, finishing third in the group and being eliminated. Immediately after the match against South Africa, where a draw would have been enough to advance to the Round of 32, Lee Kang-in was seen hitting the ground and shedding tears. He said, "When results are not good, I believe the first thing one should feel is responsibility rather than regret," and added, "I too should have done my part better," blaming himself.

Representative team captain Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) also issued a lengthy apology on his SNS on the morning of the 30th. He conveyed his heavy state of mind, saying, "I don't know where to start. I don't want to avoid reality," and added, "First and foremost, I sincerely want to apologize to all the people of South Korea and the fans who love soccer."

Son Heung-min, who sadly concluded his fourth World Cup stage, apologized, saying, "It feels like the 'stage of a child's dream' that I have always spoken of has collapsed, leaving me indescribably confused and heartbroken," and added, "I also feel a great sense of responsibility for not being able to repay the time and hearts you gave me."

He then urged colleagues to refrain from criticism, saying, "Instead of criticizing and hurting the players too much, I earnestly ask that you send them warm support and encouragement."

While players like these are taking arrows head-on, soothing fans' disappointment and hurt, the leaders of the Korea Football Association who brought the situation to this state have consistently maintained a thorough silence and evaded responsibility.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo of the Jeon (CEO) team, who announced his resignation the day after it was confirmed that they were eliminated from the group stage in local Mexico time, left the terminal with a stern expression on the 30th without any interviews with reporters or media contact. Even as angry fans at the arrival hall shouted "Hong Myung-bo, get out," pouring out harsh curses and criticism, he fled the scene like a runaway without leaving a single word. Immediately after returning home, instead of taking responsibility and reflecting, Hong went straight to his private residence in Los Angeles, drawing public outrage from soccer fans.

Jeong Mong-gyu, the head of Korean soccer administration and the central figure in the controversy over the appointment of Head Coach Hong, along with former Technical Director Lee Im-saeng, have also consistently maintained a thorough silence since the disaster. Jeong (Chairman) only returned home after the elimination was confirmed, showing no personal apology or responsible actions regarding the tragedy, while the former director completely disappeared from public view amidst fierce criticism.

The return journey of the Lee Beon (CEO) team saw the complete omission of a separate farewell ceremony, return event, or media activities for the first time since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. This is the scene created by the commander who exited in disgrace amidst fierce criticism and the head who remained silent.

Son Heung-min and the remaining players, who could not raise their heads but kept bowing deeply to fans cheering and encouraging them on their return journey, stand in stark contrast to the Korean soccer leaders who have disappeared after the tragedy, leaving a bitter aftertaste.

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*This content was translated by AI.