"They are the core trio of Korea, yet Kim Min-jae, Hwang Hee-chan, and Hwang In-beom are leaving?" China urgently takes notice... Amid retirement rumors for the '96LINE,' Hwang In-beom initially says "No"

*This content was translated by AI.

Rumors of national team retirement surrounding the 1996-born '96LINE' of the South Korean national football team, including Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Hwang Hee-chan (Schalke 04), and Hwang In-beom (Porto), have rapidly spread to China.

Chinese football media Zhiboba reported on the 6th, citing Korean reports, that "Kim Min-jae, Hwang Hee-chan, and Hwang In-beom expressed their intention to step down from the South Korean national team to some of their teammates."

The outlet also detailed in depth the actions of the three players following South Korea's 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan that day.

In particular, Hwang In-beom was captured showing tears on the field as soon as the final whistle blew. He then headed to the locker room before returning to the field with Hwang Hee-chan and Kim Min-jae to take commemorative photos.

Zhiboba stated, "Kim Min-jae, Hwang In-beom, and Hwang Hee-chan reappeared on the stadium pitch after all spectators had left," adding, "The three players embraced each other and took commemorative photos. The atmosphere was somewhat different from usual."

These retirement rumors have drawn even more attention because of the players' deliberate remarks regarding the situation of the Choi Geun (CEO) team.

Kim Min-jae previously spoke strongly after a 0-0 draw with Venezuela, saying, "I feel sorry for the defenders. There is no sense that everyone is fighting together."

Hwang In-beom also expressed his frustration while reflecting on his nine years of national team service, stating, "From then until now, there have been many things that needed to change not only in terms of football but in various other aspects. However, it seems they are not changing well."

Following the public expression of dissatisfaction with the situation inside and outside the national team, and the capture of the three players' meaningful scenes, the retirement rumors spread rapidly.

However, Hwang In-beom initially drew a line.

When asked during his exit from the stadium after the match against Uzbekistan whether he was retiring from the national team, Hwang In-beom directly answered, "No."

In response to reporters' question asking if they could see him playing in the next A-match in November, he said, "That is a matter for the coach to decide." This can be interpreted as meaning he would respond if called up to the national team.

Hwang In-beom stated, "I played with the mindset of doing my best and showing young players what it takes, having had many conversations," adding, "I was very happy playing in the match against Uzbekistan." He continued, "Whenever I come to the national team, I think this match could be my last. Since I am almost at a veteran age now, I approach matches with that mindset."

A Korea Football Association official also conveyed the stance that their retirement rumors are "groundless."

However, Hwang In-beom was not without concerns. Regarding why he showed tears after the match, he revealed, "We have not achieved the results we wanted since the last World Cup. I felt a great sense of frustration and responsibility about that part." He added, "Even before this call-up, I thought a lot about how Korean football could move in a good direction."

There were also concerns regarding his physical condition. Hwang In-beom said, "My physical condition was good at my club team, but my calf swelled and became painful on the flight to Korea. It was very frustrating that I could not play in the previous two matches and did not train properly." He added, "I have suffered a lot from injuries over the past one or two years, so I have been thinking about many things."

He also left meaningful words. Hwang In-beom stated, "I am always preparing for retirement," adding, "I think it is wise to be good at letting go not only of the national team but of playing career itself. One must prepare mentally in advance for such matters."

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*This content was translated by AI.