Last month, Tottenham Hotspur’s star forward Son Heung Min and fellow South Korean teammate Lee Kang In shocked fans with an off-the-field during the 2024 Asian Cup that resulted in injuries for Son, who would be later spotted sporting a finger cast in consecutive matches.
At the time, tensions were high during the tournament, and team captain Son led Korea. Details emerged of the incident. In February, as the veteran leader, Son had reportedly addressed the premature departure of younger players — including Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang In — from a team meal. This intervention led to a heated exchange that unfortunately escalated. The fight resulted in a backlash of both Lee and Son.
The two have officially made up now.
A moment has gone viral across social media and community platforms. At yesterday’s game against Thailand, Lee Kang In jumped into Son Heung Min’s arms, and the two embraced in a hug with huge smiles.
그렇게 기다렸던
이강인 어시스트 손흥민 골🥹🥹
강인이 안기는 것봐 개큰울음 pic.twitter.com/vvHjm88XHz— oO7 (@o_0xs7) March 26, 2024
I waited so long
Lee Kang In assist, Son Heung Min goal
I cried loudly when I saw Kang In being hugged.— @o_0sx7/X
Netizens reacted to the clip, many excited to see that the two had truly reconciled and were back to being the affectionate teammates we’d known. Most agreed that Son was an “angel” while hoping that Lee had learned from the incident.
305: “Son Heung Min is really cool, even Lee Kang In should do well in the future, looking at Son Heung Min.”
306: “The parties involved have already apologized and settled everything, so why are unrelated people making a fuss? We should learn a lot from this incident and come to realizations.”
307: “Lee Kang In may have made mistakes multiple times, but in the sports field, there are times when things get heated. Among the younger teammates, there are also those who lack maturity and may occasionally act recklessly, but within that context, discipline, scolding, resolving conflicts, and reconciling while growing are all part of it. It’s also about becoming a senior through such experiences. However, this time, the coaches and coaching staff were unusually unable to control the situation, and it was strange how internal issues were spread so widely in the media. The judgment of right and wrong and forgiveness should be resolved through internal disciplinary procedures and guidance, not through media trials.”
308: “Son Heung Min is a real angel. Now that Lee Kang In knows he shouldn’t do it anymore and has said he won’t, there’s no need to worry anymore!! Fighting”
309: “I hope Son Heung Min leads well and Lee Kang In becomes a better person. Son Heung Min is really an angel, and it’s fortunate that Lee Kang In has such a good senior. I hope he has learned a lot from this incident. And Chung Mong Gyu, get out.”
310: “Lee Kang In was really good ㅋㅋㅋ”
311: “Oh, why are you fighting with people who are not even involved in this fight? Lol. It’s time for the players to reconcile. We don’t need to do anything or have any necessity to do anything. Instead of fighting, let’s support the national team players.”
312: “Lee Kang In, now do well. Son Heung Min is really a great player. In the end, Korean football needs both of them.”
Previously, Son Heung Min released a lengthy post via Instagram addressing the matter. In the post, he defended his teammate.
Hello, this is Son Heung Min. Today, I would like to talk about a heavy subject. Kang In has been sincerely reflecting on his actions and has apologized to me and all of the players in the national team.
When I was young, I also made mistakes, but at the time, I had good Sunbaenims who gave me strict lessons that allowed me to become the player I am today.
All of our players, as seniors, will make sure to guide Lee Kang In so that this does not occur again and will help him become a great player.
I believe that I was also wrong and that I deserve to be criticized as well. However, I believe that this is also a part of a captain’s role, so if I were in the same position, I would again act on behalf of the team. But in the future, I will try to do so in a more gracious way so that I can better lead the players.
After that incident, Kang In is having a really hard time. I ask that you find it in your heart to forgive him. I am asking you as the captain of the national team. Please!
Also, the reports stating that the national team is split are all false, as we have always worked towards a common goal as one team. I apologize for causing such controversy despite the amount of love you have given us as football players. Our national team will work towards using this incident to become stronger. Again, I apologize as the captain of the national team.
— Son Heung Min
Likewise, Lee Kang In has addressed the matter on multiple occasions. He apologized publicly via Instagram.
I apologize to the many people who are disappointed in me. I am well aware of how invested fans are in me as a player. From now on, I will try to support the senior players and become a better player and person.
— first of Lee’s apologies Instagram
Hello, this is Lee Kang In
During the last Asian Cup tournament, I caused great disappointment to Heung Min hyung and the entire team and football fans with my short-sighted thoughts and reckless actions.
I believed that it was important to personally apologize to Heung Min hyungg and had a long conversation with him to understand the weight of being the team captain and to reflect on myself. I sincerely thank Heung Min hyung for welcoming me to London and responding positively.
I knew how much the tournament meant to Heung Min hyung, but I may not have fully understood the earnestness with my heart and actions, which led to all the problems.
Especially, I did not heed the advice from Heung Min hyung, both as a captain and a senior, to foster unity among us teammates, and instead only expressed my opinions.
I did something that should never have been done at the dinner table that day. Looking back, it was an action that should never have been done. I deeply regret these aspects.
I lacked a lot in terms of respect and dedication to the team.
I reached out to each and every senior and teammate to apologize.
I deeply reflect on the lack of consideration and respect in my behavior towards seniors and teammates. I promised to have a more appropriate attitude and courtesy when dealing with seniors and teammates.
I thank the seniors and teammates who accepted and embraced my apology through this post.
There are also players who have been criticized together with me because of my actions. I believe I should also accept criticism directed towards them.
Despite receiving overwhelming expectations and support, I am deeply sorry for disappointing football fans by not demonstrating the exemplary behavior and staying true to my role as a representative player of South Korea.
It was a moment for me to realize that I am in my current position thanks to the seniors and teammates who have protected and glorified South Korean football, as well as the many fans who love football.
I understand that your disappointment is as great as the love you have shown me.
I will strive to become a better Kang-in Lee, both as a football player and as a person, dedicating myself even more to progress.
I am sorry. And thank you.
Lee Kang In
— Lee Kang In
Read more below.
Shocking Picture Of Son Heung Min’s Persistent Injury After Lee Kang In Fight Alarms Netizens
Source: theqoo
