Captain Son Heung-min is still gutted by South Korea’s group stage exit at the World Cup and has issued an emotional apology to fans, Yankee Scores reports.
South Korea won their opening match against Mexico but then lost their next two games to finish third in Group A.
A draw in their last group game would have been enough to qualify but they were beaten 1-0 by South Africa and finished outside the eight best third-placed teams.
The former Tottenham Hotspur forward, who joined MLS side LAFC last August, was left out of the starting line-up for that match.
The 33-year-old talisman was introduced for the second half, but his 2026 World Cup drought went on as he failed to add to his 56 international goals.
President Lee’s Government Directive
The head coach resigned on Sunday and President Lee Jae Myung has called for an investigation into the team’s performance.
“I don’t know where to begin,” Son wrote in a social media post “I can’t pretend [nothing happened], and I don’t want to escape reality.
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“First of all, I would like to say sorry to all the Korean people and to the fans who love football.”
Son is the men’s team record appearance holder (147) and has played in four World Cups.
South Korea has only once reached the knockout stage in that period, when it lost 4-1 to Brazil in the round of 16 in 2022.
Son’s Shattered “Child’s Dream”
“It was a competition that was more important to me than anyone else, and the ‘child’s dream’ that I always talked about has collapsed,” he added.
“I’m indescribably hurt. It’s still not easy to accept this reality.
“I know so many things have been sacrificed for this stage. I also feel a lot of responsibility that I couldn’t repay the time, heart, and constant support and love that you sent.
“I will do my best in my position again to win the hearts of the Korean people and football fans. I will run to death to give you pleasure again.
“Lastly, I feel like asking the fans [for] one more favour in this situation. I’m sorry, but I beg you to send warm support and encouragement rather than criticising and hurting all the players.”
