A man without history. Or almost. Last month, Kang-in Lee (23) experienced the first big storm of his young career. Until now, the South Korean had been talked about for his talent on the ball, he who took a new step by joining Paris Saint-Germain during the summer. But the Incheon native slipped while he was in the national team to play in the Asian Cup of Nations. Lee and other players had a heated argument with their captain Heung-min Son. The latter had called to order his teammates who had left the table to go play ping-pong a few hours before the semi-final against Jordan.
Angry after the Parisian insulted him, the Tottenham player grabbed him by the collar before a fight broke out. Son had also slightly injured his finger. In the process, several elements had asked coach Jürgen Klinsmann not to play Kang-in Lee. But he refused and Lee played 90 minutes. In this particular context, the South Korean selection lost 2 to 0 and was eliminated. In the process, the Lee-Son affair broke out in the media. Mbappé’s teammate was widely criticized in the country for his lack of respect towards his captain and his attitude. Moreover, several sponsors have started to drop him.
A quarrel with Son that caused ink to flow
For his part, Kang-in Lee apologized for the first time. His lawyer then explained that the version broadcast in the media was not entirely faithful to reality. Then, the PSG player went to London to explain himself to Heung-min Son and apologize in person. Then, he published a new message: “despite the expectations and supports, I apologize once again for disappointing football fans for being an exemplary image and character that I should have as a Korean national player. I know I was disappointed especially with all the love you gave me. From now on, I will be a Lee Kang-in who works harder and is dedicated to personal development as a football player and as a person.”
Son also spoke to put an end to this controversy. “I am sincerely sorry for causing problems and I will work even harder to make the national team grow. Kang-in went through a very difficult time after this incident. Please forgive him. If the same situation happened again, I would act in the same way, because it is one of the duties of the captain. The file was closed. Or almost. At home, the federation, which thanked Jürgen Klinsmann, tried to find out more about this altercation and its consequences. Some South Korean media even mentioned a possible sanction for Lee. But that’s not the case.
Back in selection
This Monday, Kang-in Lee was selected for the March gathering during which his country will face Thailand in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup (March 21 at home and March 26 in Bangkok). This is the first time he will return to South Korea since the incidents last month. It must be said that he did everything to smooth the corners. Besides Son, Lee also personally contacted all the players of the selection to apologize as explained Chosun. The South Korean media also spoke with interim coach Hwang Sun-hong. “Regarding Lee Kang-in, I communicated directly with both players. Lee Kang-in would like to sincerely apologize to football fans and players.”
He added : “Son Heung-min also expressed the opinion that we should welcome the players (involved in the feud) and work together in harmony. This is why it was selected. Is this just a problem for both players? I do not think so. This is a problem for everyone on the team, including teammates and staff. I intend to resolve it well, even if only for a short time. Words can be spoken in various situations. I think we need to establish guidelines and organize things.” Hwang wants to put an end to this controversy and move forward once and for all.
Lee is still debated
“If we continue without calling Kang-in Lee, the crisis can be overcome, but I don’t think the problem will be solved by not calling him this time and calling him next time. From my experience, I think there are always problems like this within the team. However, the key is how quickly you resolve it. When the team rebuilds, it becomes an element that can become stronger. I had this experience when I was a player. If something happens on the ground, the best way is to resolve it as quickly as possible on the ground.” However, Lee will have to prove himself. The South Korean medial Donga explains that many people in the country believe that he should have received a disciplinary sanction.
The sound of the bell is the same in the columns of Yeongnam. “Attention is mainly focused on the ability of Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), who was at the center of the ‘ping-pongate’, to participate in the international match in March. Public opinion is very negative towards Lee Kang-in, who is not tolerated.” The national media also gave a voice to those who no longer want to see him in the selection, like Hong Jun-pyo, mayor of Daegu. “It is not possible. His personality is not suited to team sports (…) Whether it is politics or football, those with a bad character should be expelled.” But Kang-in Lee will have a second chance to redeem himself and regain everyone’s respect on and off the field. A mission totally within his ropes.
