FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - AFC Asian Cup - Quarter Final - Australia v South Korea - Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, Qatar - February 2, 2024 South Korea's Son Heung-Min celebrates scoring their second goal with Lee Kang-In REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani/File Photo
(Reuters) - South Korea and Paris St Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in formally apologised in Seoul on Wednesday for his role in an altercation with captain Son Heung-min during the Asian Cup as his country prepare for their 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
Lee bowed down to offer a formal public apology at Seoul World Cup Stadium after being called for South Korea's home-and-away World Cup qualifying fixtures against Thailand.
Son was left with a dislocated finger as the team mates got into a scuffle on the eve of their Asian Cup semi-final. Lee had received heavy criticism in South Korea, where Tottenham Hotspur forward Son remains the most popular athlete.
The Koreans ended up losing the semi-final to Jordan, a result which extended their 64-year wait for a third Asian title and also led to coach Juergen Klinsmann being fired.
"I received so much love and support from fans during the Asian Cup, but I did not reward my fans and I disappointed them," Lee told Korean media on Wednesday.
"Criticism from everyone will help me down the road. I will try hard to become a better person and a better football player, someone who can help the team and set good examples."
Earlier in the day, Son told a press conference that Lee had also offered "a heartfelt apology" during Tuesday's team dinner and the squad had fully accepted it.
"It takes courage to apologise, and Kang-in stood in front of everyone to do it sincerely," Son said. "I think it allowed everyone to really come close. The vibe in the room is not too bad. I think you won't have to write about my finger anymore."
(Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
