Lee Kang-in (23-Paris Saint-Germain), who has gone from ‘the nation’s little brother’ to ‘the most hated man in the world’, is back in public for the first time. It’s been 36 days since the Qatar Asian Cup ‘Ping Pong Gate’ incident. Lee arrived at Incheon International Airport at 5:13 p.m. on Sept. 19. Dressed in a green cap and avocado-colored hoodie, Lee greeted the fans with a smile on his face. He bowed his head at a 15-degree angle in the photo line organized by the Korea Football Association and moved quickly. The KFA had initially announced that Lee Kang-in would greet the fans at a 90-degree angle from the photo line. However, the announcement was different, and Lee Kang-in reversed his steps to greet the officials. The fans shouted “Cheer up” at him. “Thank you,” Lee said as he accepted the gifts from the fans.
Lee has been at the center of controversy. He was the center of the “Hagiography Controversy” at the Asian Cup, which concluded last month. He physically clashed with “captain” Son Heung-min (32-Tottenham) a day before the tournament’s quarterfinal against Jordan. South Korea lost 0-2 in Jordan. South Korea’s bid to win the title for the first time in 64 years, since 1960, was over.
Public opinion was furious. Eventually, 토토사이트 Lee Kang-in posted on his personal social networking service (SNS) that he had gotten into an argument with his brother Son Heung-min before the Asian Cup quarterfinals. I have caused a great disappointment to the soccer fans who always support the national team. I am truly sorry. I will try to become a better player and a better person,” he apologized.
The public outcry did not subside easily.
Lee flew from Paris, France, to London, England. He apologized to Son Heung-min in person. He apologized again, saying, “I will be a person who will make more efforts and dedication to improve as a football player and as a person. Son Heung-min said, “Lee Kang-in apologized sincerely. As a senior member of the national team, all the players and I, as the captain, will take special care of him so that he can grow into a good person and player so that he won’t do this kind of wrongful behavior again.
Lee has lost a lot in this incident; he is a talent that Korean soccer has been waiting for. Lee has lived up to expectations, playing in key moments, including the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup runner-up finish and the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he was applauded by fans for his pride in the Taegeuk mark. However, his behavior at the Asian Cup was a bitter experience. It wasn”t just his image that suffered. The commercials that Lee Kang-in had filmed in the midst of the chaotic situation also disappeared one by one. KT put up a series of promotional posters with Lee Kang-in as the advertisement model at distributors and dealers nationwide. Arachi Chicken, which had become famous for its “Lee Kang-in Chicken,” took down Lee’s commercial on its website.
The opportunity was there.
Interim national team head coach Hwang Sun-hong called up Lee for the second Asian qualifier for the 2026 North American World Cup against Thailand. Shortly after the roster was announced, Hwang said, “This decision was entirely mine. If I don’t call Lee Kang-in and move on, the crisis can be moved on. Calling him up next won’t solve the problem. If Lee Kang-in comes to Korea, the problem will continue. I’m here for one reason as a coach, but I’m sure there’s another reason. I think it’s good to resolve what happened on the field as soon as possible,” Lee said.
Lee boarded a plane to South Korea after the 2023-2024 French Ligue 1 match against Montpellier on Aug. 18. He bowed to the fans upon arrival on the 19th. 파워볼게임 The atmosphere was not the same as before. Dozens of police officers were on hand, and there were rumors that eggs could be thrown at Lee Kang-in.
“From a third party’s point of view, I think it was wrong for him to act disrespectfully to his seniors, no matter how long he had lived abroad,” said Kim Chae-won. I also think it was wrong for the Korea Football Association to escalate the situation by mentioning the player’s real name.” Jung Young-eun added, “It’s wrong to do wrong, but I love Lee Kang-in’s soccer. I don’t think my support for him will change. The player posted an apology and apologized in person. I hope he will do better in the future.”
Lee plans to apologize one more time.
Lee plans to apologize in person to the media before the official training session at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Tuesday. “After the official press conference and before the training session, Lee Kang-in will speak to the fans in front of the media,” said an official from the Korea Football Association.