Son Heung-min's apology to the nation... Kim Hee-cheol was moved to tears, and the entire nation wept

*This content was translated by AI.

Super Junior's Kim Hee-cheol (43) also shed tears over the apology by Son Heung-min (34, LAFC), captain of the South Korean national football team.

On the 30th, Son Heung-min posted a lengthy message on his Instagram. This was his statement as captain regarding the disastrous performance of Hong Myung-bo's team at the 2026 World Cup in North, Central America, and the Caribbean. The South Korean national team failed to advance to the round of 32.

Son Heung-min said, "I do not know where to begin. I cannot pretend not to know, nor do I wish to avoid reality. First and foremost, I sincerely apologize to the people of the Republic of Korea and to all the fans who love football. As someone who loves football myself, if I had watched such a match, I would have felt truly regretful, frustrated, and distressed." He added, "It feels as though the 'stage of children's dreams,' which I have always spoken of, has collapsed, leaving me indescribably conflicted and heartbroken. To be honest, it is not easy for me to accept this reality even now."

At the same time, he earnestly requested, "Rather than criticizing and hurting all the players too much, I sincerely ask that you send them warm support and encouragement, even though it may be difficult for you." This revealed the character of a truly world-class football star.

Moved by Son Heung-min's sincere plea, Kim Hee-cheol left a comment with a clip of himself crying, offering his encouragement. The comment received 1,573 likes, garnering the empathy of the entire nation. It was not just Kim Hee-cheol; Son Heung-min posted for everyone.

Kim Hee-cheol had also expressed anger alongside the public on the 28th, saying, "I heard this might be Son Heung-min's last World Cup. I wanted to watch at least one more match, but does this mean there is no hope at all? They say one person's mistake led to this. Hah. The players have worked hard."

I do not know where to begin. I cannot pretend not to know, nor do I wish to avoid reality.

First and foremost, I sincerely apologize to the people of the Republic of Korea and to all the fans who love football.

As someone who loves football, if I had watched such a match, I would have felt truly regretful, frustrated, and distressed. Therefore, I feel that even a single word of apology cannot possibly capture the fans' disappointment and pain, and I feel that even expressing this is far too insufficient.

I wanted to convey this message especially to the fans who are going through the most difficult times, with various emotions crossing their minds every day and every moment. This tournament was the most precious to me as well, and it feels as though the 'stage of children's dreams,' which I have always spoken of, has collapsed, leaving me indescribably conflicted and heartbroken. To be honest, it is not easy for me to accept this reality even now. Thinking of the fans who are carrying much greater disappointment and pain than I am, I am cautious even about speaking of my own feelings, but I believe the fans' feelings are not greatly different from my own.

I am well aware that many things were sacrificed for this stage. I also feel a great sense of responsibility for not being able to repay the time and hearts you gave us, as well as your unwavering support and love. I am truly, truly sorry. And I sincerely thank everyone who believed in us and supported us until the end and stayed with us.

Rather than just expressing this in words, I will do my best from my position again to turn the hearts of the people of the Republic of Korea and football fans. I will run with all my might to bring you joy again. I have never forgotten the promise I made with the fans. Until the fans look for me again, until they need me again, I will pour out everything I have and prepare myself well once more.

Finally, I feel heavy-hearted and sorry to ask the fans for one more request in this situation, but I sincerely ask that rather than criticizing and hurting all the players too much, you send them warm support and encouragement, even though it may be difficult for you.

Thank you for reading this long message to the end.

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*This content was translated by AI.