South Korea captain Son Heung-min apologized to fans on Monday after the team exited the World Cup in the group stages and urged them to support the players instead of criticizing them after the campaign.
The apology came a day after Hong Myung-bo resigned as South Korea coach. Saturday’s results meant the South Koreans would not progress to the last 32 as one of eight third-placed players in the group stage.
Expectations were high for a talented South Korean squad featuring Son, Paris St Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. Along with co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa, it was widely expected to reach the knockout rounds.
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South Korea opened with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic, but defeats to Mexico and South Africa left them reliant on results elsewhere and ultimately fell short of a place in the knockout stages.
“I don’t know where to start,” Son said in a lengthy Instagram post. “I can’t pretend I don’t know what happened, and I don’t want to escape reality.
“First and foremost, I would like to sincerely apologize to the people of South Korea and to all the fans who love football.
«As a football fan, I can only imagine how heartbreaking, frustrating and painful it must have been for you to watch a match like this. That’s why I don’t think a simple ‘sorry’ can convey the disappointment and pain you must feel – it feels woefully inadequate to even say it…»
The former Tottenham Hotspur player, now 33, has endured a difficult tournament, failing to score or assist in any of South Korea’s three games.
Questions have also been raised about Hong’s handling of the winger. Son started on the bench for South Korea’s decisive match against South Africa and was only introduced in the second half. Hong also had him withdrawn during the defeat to Mexico.
Son, who had previously considered ending his international career after defeating South Korea in the 2024 Asian Cup semi-final, earlier this month dismissed speculation that the tournament in North America would be his last World Cup.
«I will give everything to bring joy to all of you again. I have never forgotten the promises I made to our fans. Until you call me, until you need me, I will pour my heart and soul into preparing to do better,» Son said.
Published on June 30, 2026
