*This content was translated by AI.
Ki Sung-yueng (37), former captain of the South Korean national football team, expressed regret over South Korea's failure to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament in North America and the Caribbean.
tvN's variety program 'You Quiz on the Block' posted a preview video of Ki Sung-yueng's appearance through its official channel on the 17th. The full broadcast will air at 8:45 p.m. on the 22nd. In the video, Ki Sung-yueng shared his bitter reflections on having flown to Mexico himself to watch the North American World Cup at the time.
Host Yoo Jae-seok said, "Ki Sung-yueng recently went to Mexico to watch the World Cup. Actually, bringing up the (poorly performing) World Cup story is..." while smiling awkwardly, adding, "There are many people who are disappointed with the results."
Ki Sung-yueng then said, "I was fortunate to have seen only the first match against Czech Republic. The result was very good. Until we arrived in Korea, there was a sense of uncertainty about whether we would finish first or second in our group."
He added, "I have received a lot of support from the players as well, so it is very regrettable for me as a player who has experienced the World Cup that it ended this way," and said, "I fully understand the disappointment of the Korean people," expressing his regret over the early elimination.
He emphasized above all that structural changes and awakening are needed in Korean football. He stressed, "I hope that Korean football will undergo significant reforms in the future."
He did not forget to blame himself either. Ki Sung-yueng stated, "Footballers must truly awaken and reflect deeply," adding, "Although I am also a footballer, I have been thinking lately about what exactly I have done for Korean football," expressing his sense of responsibility.
Earlier, Ki Sung-yueng also expressed regret over coach Hong Myung-bo's tactics and the utilization of Son Heung-min. Through his YouTube channel 'Shoot for Love', he analyzed that after the Mexico match, "Son could have better utilized his still-formidable speed if deployed on the wing rather than as a lone striker." He also raised questions about the tactical decision to switch to a back four after conceding a goal without increasing the number of attacking players.
Meanwhile, Ki Sung-yueng has appeared in three consecutive World Cups: the 2010 South Africa tournament, the 2014 Brazil tournament, and the 2018 Russia tournament. At the 2010 tournament, he contributed to the nation's first-ever away round of 16 qualification, and at the 2018 tournament, he led the national team as captain. As a former national team captain who has played in 110 A-match international games and joined the Century Club, his recent remarks directed at the Korean football community carry significant meaning.
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*This content was translated by AI.
