"A stunning 50m storm dribble" AG star Yang Min-hyuk: "I was forgotten at Tottenham... a perfect wonder goal," says UK media

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The recent performance of Yang Min-hyuk (20, Vestelo), who is currently on loan, has left local observers in the UK in great astonishment. After facing intense backlash at home over a slip of the tongue during an interview regarding military service exemption and issuing an official apology, he returned to the pitch and immediately sprinted 50 meters to score a fantastic wonder goal, prompting local media to focus on his rollercoaster-like recent situation.

The UK outlet "Football London" reported on the 13th (Korean time), "Recent times have been truly bizarre for Yang Min-hyuk," adding, "This 20-year-old player, who had become a forgotten figure among Tottenham fans and had no official match appearances for the club, was loaned to Vestelo in Belgium this summer. He played two matches as a substitute before immediately suffering an injury."

The outlet further reported that Yang Min-hyuk recovered from his injury in time to lead South Korea to a gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. In the final against Japan, Yang actively contributed by assisting Uhm Ji-seong of Swansea City with the winning goal, making a decisive contribution to South Korean football's first-ever four consecutive titles in the tournament's history.

However, the controversy that erupted immediately after winning the gold medal has continued to follow him like a tail even in the UK. "Football London" pointed out, "Yang Min-hyuk was excessively excited about the fact that he would be exempted from the 18th to 21 months of military service required of South Korean men," noting, "His remarks stating that military exemption was the top priority in players' minds caused great discomfort among South Korean fans, and ultimately Yang had to issue a lengthy apology via social networking services (SNS)."

The outlet detailed and quoted the full text of the apology statement issued by Yang Min-hyuk. Yang confessed, "I sincerely apologize to many people who may have felt disappointment and discomfort due to my remarks regarding the Asian Games. Participating in the Asian Games as a member of the South Korean national team was highly meaningful, and I naturally poured everything into it with the goal of winning and securing a gold medal."

He continued, "However, I failed to properly convey that the military exemption benefit was merely one of several motivations that drove me to achieve better results. Regardless of my original intention, my remarks caused discomfort and made it appear as if I took the meaning of the gold medal lightly as a national team player, which is clearly my fault." He bowed his head, adding, "The gold medal was never given for granted; it was a fruit made possible by the sweat and support of many people. Furthermore, I absolutely had no intention of belittling or mocking the efforts of those currently fulfilling their military duty or those who will enlist in the future. I deeply apologize to everyone who has been hurt and disappointed by my reckless words and actions, and from now on, I will repay you not only with words but also with a better attitude and sense of responsibility on the pitch."

Amidst the gossip and controversy that shook the nation, Yang Min-hyuk returned to his main job, the football field, and proved his talent. "Football London" revealed, "Yang Min-hyuk returned to the Belgian league over the weekend and came on as a substitute in the 40th minute of the second half, scoring what was truly a perfect wonder goal."

The outlet described the scoring scene: "Yang Min-hyuk sprinted at full speed toward a long throw from goalkeeper Andreas Jindal. After running across the entire pitch, he cut inside past the chasing defender and fired a perfect left-footed curling shot into the far goalpost." It added, "Yang Min-hyuk was surrounded by his Vestelo teammates in celebration, dramatically capping off a 5-1 comprehensive victory against Royal Antwerp as he pushed through the crowd to share the joy with fans."

In the 8th round of the Jupiler League held at Het Kuipje in Vestelo, Belgium, on the 12th, Yang Min-hyuk came on for Sakamoto Isara in the 40th minute of the second half while his team led 4-1. Just 11 minutes after entering the game, in the 51st minute of stoppage time, he scored his debut goal in Belgium in his third loan match with his signature explosive speed and precise left-footed curling shot.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original