Son Heung-min 's apology
On his personal page on the evening of June 29th, striker Son Heung-min posted a very long letter to apologize to the Korean fans after the defeat at the 2026 World Cup.
South Korea was eliminated in the group stage, finishing 10th out of 12 best third-placed teams. Coach Hong Myung-bo's team won against the Czech Republic in their opening match, but then lost to Mexico and South Africa, leading to their elimination from the tournament.
Son Heung-min himself had a disappointing tournament, failing to score any goals. He missed many opportunities in the opening match and then faded in subsequent games, whether starting or coming on as a substitute.
Son Heung-min's disappointment
PHOTO: REUTERS
"I don't know where to begin. I can't ignore it, nor do I want to avoid reality. First and foremost, I offer my sincerest apologies to all the people of South Korea and all football fans."
As a football fan, if I had witnessed such a performance, I would probably feel incredibly disappointed, frustrated, and heartbroken. Therefore, I understand that a simple apology is not enough to alleviate the disappointment and hurt that fans are experiencing. Even an apology feels too small compared to what everyone has gone through," Son Heung-min shared.
The former Tottenham striker called the World Cup failure a "dream shattered." Son Heung-min and South Korea have only advanced beyond the group stage once in the last three World Cups. That was in the 2022 tournament, when they progressed from a group that included Portugal, Ghana, and Uruguay, but were eliminated by Brazil in the round of 16.
"I want to send my deepest apologies to the fans, who are going through these difficult times filled with mixed emotions. This tournament also holds special significance for me, the stage for the 'childhood dream' that I always talk about. Witnessing that dream crumble leaves me with pain and emptiness that is difficult to put into words."
The future of South Korean football and Son Heung-min remains uncertain.
PHOTO: REUTERS
"Honestly, even now I still find it hard to accept the reality. I understand that fans are even more disappointed and hurt than I am. Therefore, I am extremely cautious about talking about my own feelings. But I believe that what you are feeling is not much different from the pain in my heart," Son Heung-min confided.
Posted an open letter and then deleted it a few minutes later.
Son continued in his letter: "I understand that many sacrifices have been made for this tournament. What bothers me most is that I haven't been able to repay the time, trust, support, and love that the fans have always given to the team. I feel I have a great responsibility and once again offer my sincere apologies."
At the same time, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has always believed in, supported, and encouraged us until the very last moment. More than words can express, I will do my best in my position to regain the trust of the Korean people and fans. I will fight with everything I have so that one day I can bring joy back to everyone.
I have never forgotten my promise to my fans. As long as you still need me, still seek me out, I will give everything I have."
However, just minutes after posting the open letter on his personal page, Son Heung-min deleted the message.
Korean football is in crisis. The Korea Football Association (KFA) is under a full investigation, coach Hong Myung-bo has resigned, and KFA Vice President Park Hang-seo has had to publicly apologize.