"Just 30 years old, still among Asia's best, and already?" Chinese fans stunned by retirement rumors surrounding South Korea's national team stars Kim Min-jae, Hwang In-beom, and Hwang Hee-chan: "They are at the prime of their careers"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Reactions of surprise have emerged in China over retirement rumors surrounding national team players Kim Min-jae (born 1996, Bayern Munich), Hwang In-beom (Porto), and Hwang Hee-chan (Schalke 04).

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

The South Korean Nam Ja-chuk-gu (CEO) team, led by manager Roberto Moreno (Spain), won 2-0 in a friendly match against Uzbekistan held at Yongin Mireu Stadium on the same day.

After the match, an unusual scene was captured. Kim Min-jae, Hwang In-beom, and Hwang Hee-chan gathered again on the field to take commemorative photos. In particular, Hwang In-beom was seen with reddened eyes after the final whistle.

The retirement rumors spread rapidly, compounded by deliberate remarks made by players regarding the situation of the Choi Geun (CEO) team.

Earlier, following a 0-0 draw against Venezuela, Kim Min-jae expressed his frustration, stating, "I feel sorry for the defenders. There is no feeling that everyone is fighting together."

Hwang In-beom also pointed out issues while reflecting on his nine years with the national team, saying, "There were many things that needed to change, not only in terms of football but in various other aspects. However, it seems they have not changed much."

Zhiboba explained, "Kim Min-jae, Hwang In-beom, and Hwang Hee-chan embraced each other and took commemorative photos," adding, "It is known that these three players conveyed their intention to leave the national team to some of their teammates in the locker room."

Chinese fans also expressed surprise at the retirement rumors surrounding the South Korean national team's '96LINE'.

One fan reacted, saying, "They are just 30 years old now, and all of them are top-tier players in Asia. Yet they are not playing for the national team. What is going on?"

Another fan wrote, "It is truly an enviable dilemma." The fact that world-class players like Kim Min-jae, Hwang In-beom, and Hwang Hee-chan were caught up in retirement rumors from the Na I-e (CEO) team at around 30 years of age was something Chinese fans found difficult to understand.

Other reactions included comments such as, "They are all stars at the prime of their careers; are they already retiring?"

However, Hwang In-beom later directly denied the retirement rumors. While leaving the stadium, he answered "No" when asked about his intention to retire from the national team.

In response to a reporter's question asking if he could be seen playing in the next A-match in November, he said, "That is a matter for the manager 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 an example to the younger players, having many conversations along the way. I was very happy playing in the match against Uzbekistan," while adding, "Whenever I come to the national team, I think this match could be my last. Since I am almost at a veteran's age now, I approach matches with that mindset."

Although he denied the retirement rumors, it was not that he had no inner worries.

Regarding why he showed tears after the match, Hwang In-beom 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," adding, "Even before this call-up, I thought a lot about how South Korean football could move in a good direction."

He also had concerns about his physical condition. He said, "My condition was good at my club team, but my calf swelled up 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," adding, "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 behind 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.View Original