Soccer star Lee Kang-in expresses regret for his actions during the Asian Cup 2023 and visits national team captain Son Heung-min in London to personally apologize

Courtesy of Son Heung-min's Instagram

Lee Kang-in, the 23-year-old soccer star, issued a public apology on his Instagram page on Wednesday for his involvement in a scuffle during the Asian Cup 2023 earlier this month. He revealed that he visited national team captain Son Heung-min in London, where Son plays for Tottenham Hotspur, to apologize in person.

In his official apology, Lee acknowledged the importance of understanding the responsibility that Son shoulders as the team captain. He expressed remorse for his actions, describing them as "unacceptable" and admitting that he should have realized the significance of the tournament for Son. Lee also admitted that he should have heeded Son's advice as a captain, big brother, and teammate. 

▲ Courtesy of Son Heung-min's InstagramThe scuffle between Lee and Son occurred before South Korea's semifinals match in the Asia Football Confederation's premier tournament. The altercation stemmed from Son's disapproval of Lee and other younger team members playing table tennis after dinner. While reports suggested that Lee took a swing at Son, Lee denied punching the team captain.

The public's negative response to Lee's actions prompted some of his advertisers to consider withdrawing their endorsements. Social media users threatened to boycott these companies if they did not disassociate from Lee.

Following Lee's visit, Son posted on his Instagram page, confirming Lee's sincere apology and asking the public to forgive him. Son emphasized the team's support for Lee, expressing hope that he would not repeat such behavior. Son acknowledged his own less-than-ideal actions in the scuffle and pledged to act wiser as the team captain in the future.

The South Korean national team faced disappointment in the AFC's premier event, struggling against lower-ranked teams in FIFA and falling short of claiming the first Asian Cup title since 1960. In response to the team's lackluster performance, the Korea Football Association terminated head coach Juergen Klinsmann last week.

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