"I Won't Be Drafted": Director Jeong Kyung-ho Speaks Out on Lee Ki-hyuk Controversy, "He Has Matured Significantly... The Thrill of Wearing the National Team Badge Is Being Forgotten Lately" [On Site at Sangam]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Jeong Kyung-ho (46), manager of Gangwon FC, spoke about Lee Ki-hyuk (26), who recently sparked controversy with remarks regarding "military service benefits" immediately after winning the Asian Games.

Gangwon will play an away match against FC Seoul in Round 33 of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2026' at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 2 p.m. on the 24th.

At a pre-match press conference, Manager Jeong Kyung-ho was asked about Lee Ki-hyuk's condition and their conversations following the controversy that arose after his call-up to the national team.

In response, Manager Jeong Kyung-ho said, "He has matured quite a bit," adding, "I think this incident served as a reminder of what is needed for the development of Korean football and the mindset that national team players should have."

Previously, Lee Ki-hyuk served as captain at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, winning a gold medal and thereby receiving military service benefits. However, he faced public backlash after stating in a broadcast interview immediately after the victory, "I won't be drafted." Ultimately, Lee Ki-hyuk officially apologized on the 4th, stating, "I did not consider the weight of my words."

Manager Jeong Kyung-ho emphasized, "Although I am also a former national team player, I think this incident served as a reminder for all national team players who will wear the Taegukgi mark in the future about what mindset they should have when playing and preparing for matches."

He continued, "When I was a national team player, I felt a profound emotion when the national anthem played and the flag rose, and I had a strong resolve to do my best for the country," pointing out, "I feel that current players are somewhat losing sight of these aspects."

Finally, Manager Jeong Kyung-ho conveyed, "I hope this incident will serve as an opportunity to once again correct the sense of responsibility, pride, and attitude as a player who Na Ra-reul (CEO) for national team players."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original