After South Korea’s team was eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 USA-Mexico World Cup, captain Son Heung-min posted a long apology on social media to the South Korean people and all fans.
In his statement, Son Heung-min expressed his heavy heart and immense sense of responsibility for failing to meet external expectations, and promised to do his utmost to regain the support of fans.
I don’t know where to begin. I can’t pretend nothing’s wrong, and I absolutely don’t want to run away from reality.
First of all, I would like to sincerely apologize to the people of the Republic of Korea and all football fans.
As someone who loves football myself, I would feel incredibly disappointed, frustrated, and pained if I saw a match like this. Therefore, a simple “I’m sorry” is far from enough to express the disappointment and sorrow of the fans; even saying those words feels insufficient to me.
Every day, every moment, a mix of emotions has been overwhelming, and I know that fans are going through a more painful time than anyone else. I at least want to convey this message to everyone. This event is more precious to me than anything else; it’s the stage I’ve always said I dreamed of as a child. Now it seems to have collapsed, and my feelings are indescribable. I’m extremely anxious and heartbroken. To be honest, even now, I’m finding it hard to accept this reality.
Knowing that the fans are experiencing even greater disappointment and pain than I am, I feel I must be extremely careful when discussing my own feelings. But I think the feelings the fans are experiencing are not too different from mine.
I am fully aware that many things were sacrificed for this stage. The time, effort, and unwavering support and love everyone invested ultimately went unrewarded, and I feel a heavy responsibility for this. I am truly sorry. I also sincerely thank everyone who believed in us, supported us, and stayed with us until the very end.
Instead of trying to express everything with words now, I will return to my position and give it my all to win back the hearts of the people of South Korea and football fans. I will run my heart out to bring joy to everyone again. I have never forgotten the promise I made to the fans. Until the fans look for me again and need me again, I will give everything and be ready again.
Finally, under these circumstances, I must once again make this request to the fans, which weighs heavily on my mind and I feel deeply apologetic. I sincerely beg you all, rather than subjecting the players to excessive criticism and hurt, please offer your warm support and encouragement, even though this is undoubtedly a difficult time for everyone.
