South Korea captain Son Heung-min has issued a heartfelt apology to supporters following the nation’s disappointing group-stage exit from the World Cup, while urging fans to continue backing the team instead of directing blame at the players.
The apology came a day after head coach Hong Myung-bo stepped down, with South Korea missing out on a place in the Round of 32 after failing to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Entering the competition with high expectations, South Korea boasted a talented squad featuring Son, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. Drawn in a group with co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa, they were widely tipped to reach the knockout stage.
The Koreans began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic but suffered consecutive defeats to Mexico and South Africa, leaving their qualification hopes dependent on other results. Those results ultimately did not go their way, bringing their World Cup journey to an early end.
In a lengthy message posted on Instagram, Son admitted he was devastated by the outcome and apologised to supporters.
“I don’t know where to begin,” Son wrote. “I can’t pretend I don’t know what happened, nor do I want to escape reality.
“First and foremost, I would like to sincerely apologise to the people of South Korea and to all the fans who love football.
“As someone who loves this game as much as you do, I understand how heartbreaking, frustrating and painful it must have been to watch us. A simple ‘I’m sorry’ doesn’t come close to expressing the disappointment you must be feeling.”
The 33-year-old endured a frustrating tournament, finishing without a goal or assist across South Korea’s three group-stage matches.
Questions were also raised over Hong’s management of his captain, with Son starting on the bench in the decisive defeat to South Africa before being introduced in the second half. He was also substituted during the earlier loss to Mexico.
Despite the disappointing campaign, Son insisted he has no intention of walking away from international football and reaffirmed his commitment to representing his country.
“I will continue giving everything I have to bring joy to our fans again,” he said.
“I have never forgotten the promises I made to you. As long as you continue to support and need me, I will keep giving my heart and soul to become a better player and help this team move forward.”
