Fans' anger over the Asian Games "shocking elimination"... "No regrets, no regrets." Instead, Seo Jae-min remains calm [Incheon]

*This content was translated by AI.

"Honestly, I have no regrets or disappointments." Perhaps because some time has passed, when asked about his exclusion from the final men's football roster for the 2026 Aichi·Nagoya (Japan) Asian Games, Seo Jae-min (23, Incheon United) surprisingly answered with calmness. This was during an interview with reporters after the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 17 match against FC Anyang held on the 12th at Incheon Football Stadium. Seo said, "Whether I participate in the Asian Games or not, there is a role I must fulfill for my team," and added with a smile, "If I work hard for the team, better opportunities will come."

Seo Jae-min is undoubtedly one of the top midfielders in K League 1 this season. After playing for FC Seoul and Seoul E-Land, he settled into Incheon this season and continues an incredible record of starting all 17 opening matches under head coach Yoon Jeong-hwan. Moreover, he has never been excluded from the top six "most active player (Best Runner)" rankings since the start of the season, even ranking first in activity volume across seven rounds. Even during today's match played under scorching heat, he remained on the field until the final whistle blew without fail. Through diligent pressing to cut off opponents' attacks or dribbling to escape pressure from opponents, he earned applause from fans.

Beyond his K League performances, Seo had frequently been called up by former coach Lee Min-seong for the U23 national team, making his inclusion in the final Asian Games roster seem like a foregone conclusion. However, when the final men's football roster was announced on the 9th, Seo Jae-min's name was absent. It would also be difficult to view this as an inevitable elimination due to fierce competition. The anger expressed not only by Incheon fans but also by K League fans across the country upon hearing of Seo's exclusion was hard to justify easily.

In fact, Seo Jae-min learned earlier this month that he would not be participating in this year's Asian Games. The Korea Football Association submitted its final roster to the Korean Olympic Committee about a week before announcing the final team, and during this process, Incheon head coach Yoon Jeong-hwan was informed first and then told Seo. Seo said, "About three days before the Seoul match, Coach (Yoon) told me (about my exclusion). I thanked him for letting me know in advance. It felt better to be informed beforehand."

He continued, "I worked very hard during the preparation process. So I have no regrets or disappointments about being excluded from the roster. If I work hard for the team, better opportunities will come. I will continue to work harder for the team and wait for good opportunities. If I consistently build my path, I believe there will be even better positions and opportunities." He smiled while saying this.

Of course, it's not that there are no regrets at all. For football players, winning a gold medal at the Asian Games is the most viable and advantageous route to fulfill military service obligations. Notable players such as Son Heung-min (LAFC), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) have all used this route to complete their military duties. Fulfilling military service can also serve as a stepping stone for bigger dreams, such as advancing overseas. Seo Jae-min indeed shared the same dream. However, due to his exclusion from the final roster, fulfilling military obligations through an Asian Games gold medal is now impossible unless he receives a wildcard in the future.

Seo said, "Of course, the Asian Games is an important tournament with military service exemption (benefits) at stake. It was another goal for me. But I haven't played football solely for the Asian Games since childhood. I have bigger dreams and greater goals." He added, "(Exclusion from the roster) has already happened. If I prepare hard again, there will be better processes. I am grateful to be playing such good football with such a great team. (Park) Gyeong-seop (Incheon) has already congratulated me. I hope he wins the gold medal."

Although he will not participate in the Asian Games, Seo Jae-min continues to pledge his commitment to supporting his team as he has done so far. He believes that by consistently performing well with his club, opportunities will come to achieve dreams and goals beyond the Asian Games. This can serve as another motivation for him even in situations where he feels exhausted.

Seo said, "People around me tell me I need to manage my body well and that it will be tough. As a player, there is nothing sadder than not being able to play in matches." He added, "Every player always wants to start every match and stay on the field until the end, and I am no exception. Rather than feeling burdened, I feel more grateful. I always want to help my team and wish to remain on the field until the very last moment of each game."

He continued, "Our team's goals are reaching the upper split (Final A Group) and participating in the AFC Champions League (ACL). Everyone is focused on these objectives." He added, "Personally, I believe it is most important to play gratefully match by match as I am doing now, developing and growing with each game. If I don't get overly excited or depressed by performance or results, but instead maintain my focus, work steadily and consistently, I believe good things will happen."

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*This content was translated by AI.