"Another Korean football tragedy possible" even Japanese media express concern over 'Lee Min-seong's AG'

*This content was translated by AI.

Japanese media have projected that another "tragedy" could follow South Korean football after its elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage.

On the 9th, Japanese football outlet Football Channel quoted domestic reports, stating, "Another source of anxiety is emerging for South Korean football, which only reached the World Cup group stage," and pointed out that "the underperformance of the U23 national team ahead of the Asian Games opening in September is a problem."

The outlet noted, "The South Korea U23 team led by head coach Lee Min-seong failed to achieve satisfactory results over the past year. They managed only one draw and one loss against Australia, suffered two consecutive defeats against Saudi Arabia, and lost 0-2 to China." It added, "Recently, during a training camp in Thailand, they were defeated by Kyrgyzstan, ranked 106th in the FIFA rankings. Even with a numerical advantage due to an opponent's red card, they could not avoid defeat."

The outlet continued, "This underperformance is taken even more seriously because, from South Korea's perspective, the Asian Games are not merely an age-specific tournament." It explained, "South Korea has won three consecutive gold medals since the 2014 Incheon Games. During this period, players such as Son Heung-min (LAFC), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) resolved their military service issues and laid the foundation for continuing their careers on the European stage." In fact, South Korean football players receive special treatment regarding military service if they win a gold medal at the Asian Games.

The outlet added, "This generation also includes players expected to lead South Korean football in the future. However, if they fail to achieve good results, it will not only affect their careers but could also shake the very concept of generational transition in South Korean football." It concluded, "With little time remaining until the opening, South Korean football stands at a critical crossroads: whether to reverse the stagnant atmosphere or lead to yet another tragedy."

Meanwhile, head coach Lee Min-seong announced the final 23-member roster for the Asian Games on the 9th and officially shifted into Asian Games mode. The team consists of nine players from Europe, including Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Kim Ji-soo (Brentford), and Yang Min-hyuk (Tottenham), along with 14 K League players. Wildcards (players aged 24 or older) were selected as Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic FC), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City), and Lee Ki-hyeok (Gangwon FC). The Lee Min-seong squad will assemble in early September to begin preparations for the tournament.

Through the Korea Football Association, head coach Lee Min-seong stated, "We have been carrying out systematic preparation processes since last year for the goal of winning a gold medal at the Asian Games. After comprehensively reviewing all processes, we have finalized the roster with players who are most competitive in this age group and capable of achieving the best results in short-term tournaments." He added, "The entire team will do their utmost until the end to achieve the goal of winning a gold medal."

- Goalkeepers: Kim Min-seung (Paju Frontiers FC), Kim Jun-hong (Suwon Samsung), Lee Seung-hwan (Chungbuk Cheongju FC)

- Defenders: Kim Ji-soo (Brentford FC·England), Kang Min-jun (Pohang Steelers), Park Kyung-seop (Incheon United), Park Sung-hoon (FC Seoul), Bae Hyun-seo (Gyeongnam FC), Shin Min-ha (Gangwon FC), Choi Seok-hyun (Ulsan HD), Choi Woo-jin (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors)

- Midfielders: Park Seung-soo (Newcastle United·England), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City FC·England), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic FC·Scotland, WC), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City·England, WC), Yang Min-hyuk (Tottenham Hotspur·England), Lee Hyun-ju (FC Arouca·Portugal), Kang Sang-yoon (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Lee Ki-hyeok (Gangwon FC, WC), Lee Seung-won (Gangwon FC), Hwang Do-yoon (FC Seoul)

- Forwards: Kim Myeong-jun (KRC Genk·Belgium), Lee Young-jun (Grasshopper Club·Switzerland)

*WC : Wildcard (players aged 24 or older)

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*This content was translated by AI.