A birthday like no other. This Monday, Kang-in Lee celebrates his 23rd birthday. But the Paris Saint-Germain player is not necessarily smiling at the moment. Since last Wednesday, the native of Incheon has been at the heart of a huge controversy in South Korea. It all started last Thursday after the publication of an article in the English media The Sun where it was learned that Lee and other national team players had had an altercation with their captain Heung-min Son. The latter had called them to order when some teammates had left the table to go play ping-pong. All a few hours before a semi-final of the Asian Nations Cup against Jordan.
An altercation that leaves traces
Annoyed, Kang-in Lee would have insulted Son. Furious, the Tottenham striker grabbed the Parisian by the collar before a fight broke out. After a missed punch from Lee, Son reportedly dislocated his finger while trying to free himself when another teammate held him back. In the wrong, according to several teammates, who asked Jürgen Klinsmann not to play him against Jordan, Lee was in an uncomfortable situation. Despite this, his coach decided to play him for 90 minutes. But looking back, the German technician, who was sacked a few days ago, regrets his choice. “There was discord between the players, and that had an impact on performance”he explained to the South Korean federation.
The bad atmosphere within the group and the altercation before the match therefore played a role in the result since South Korea was eliminated (2-0). Back in Paris, Lee had to confront this controversy. He quickly spoke out on his social networks. “I have caused great disappointment to all football fans who support the national team. I am really sorry. I should have listened to the older players and I apologize for not showing a good attitude.” The episode could have been closed. But we are only at the beginning. On Thursday, the player’s lawyer spoke in the media to defend his client.
The Lee clan fought back
“The content of the facts reported by the media is developed and reproduced as if they were facts. I want to correct content that is not true. The story that Lee Kang-in punched Son Heung-min in the face when Son Heung-min grabbed Lee Kang-in’s neck is not true. When Lee Kang-in played table tennis, there were also senior players with him. They often played table tennis before that day (…) Lee Kang-in deeply regrets and reflects on his mistakes. We apologize once again for causing inconvenience and concern to many football fans. Lee Kang-in believes that since he was at the center of the dispute, it is appropriate to apologize rather than provide specific details.”
For its part, the federation indicated that an investigation would be carried out to shed light on these incidents. Lee could therefore be sanctioned if his leaders believe he is at fault. In the midst of the controversy, the PSG player is criticized from all sides, whether it comes from the local press or public opinion. Thursday, the newspaper Chosun wrote about him: “Korean soccer fans’ concerns are growing as Lee Kang-in, who was supposed to lead the future of Korean soccer, is set to disappoint due to attitude issues.” This Monday, Sports Donga puts another layer on the subject.
The sponsors are already letting go
“Lee Kang-in, who violently confronted a “world class” player, finds himself “under siege”. He receives absolutely no support, either at home or abroad. An Argentinian football commentator even supported Son Heung-min, saying: “It’s like a clash between the best player Lionel Messi (37 years old, Inter Miami) and Julian Alvarez (24 years old, Manchester City), a promising prospect who attracts public attention.” The South Korean media explains that the Parisian’s situation is “getting worse” since certain sponsors who had bet on him are starting to let him go.
In fact, several companies that used his image want to remove him from advertisements after this affair and are even considering terminating their contract. “From image loss to financial loss, Lee Kang-in has lost so much”writing Sports Donga. This does not necessarily suit PSG’s business since Kang-in Lee is a real goose that lays the golden eggs. He is one of the players who sells the most jerseys bearing his name. Last summer, 70% of the tunics sold in the PSG store in Seoul were Lee’s. An element which has therefore allowed Paris to be even more present on the Asian market. But this affair in the national selection risks having a negative impact.
The supporters are angry with him
Besides, Coupang Playthe platform which is in charge of broadcasting Ligue 1 on the internet in South Korea, has erased Lee’s presence on the last match as much as possible, explains Sports Hankook. Always put forward, Lee was not this time. It was Kylian Mbappé who was the star, while the platform sidelined the South Korean. In public opinion, his popularity rating is also declining. Sports Seoul for example indicated this Monday that many football fans are angry with him. Some even left malicious comments under posts by his sister, Lee Jeong-eun. In the tough, the 23-year-old faces a very complicated situation.
The press of his country, which is not kind to him, is waiting for the federation to make decisions. Sports Donga writes: Lee Kang-in must also apologize quickly. He must appear in person and bow his head in front of his fans, and he must also sincerely apologize to Son Heung-min (…) You can’t let time pass forever. This needs to be addressed quickly, in one form or another. First, a disciplinary examination is necessary. Not only Lee Kang-in’s attitude, but also Son Heung-min’s actions in grabbing his cadet by the collar, are not correct.”* The media recalls the rules for the national team and specifies that an inappropriate attitude may result in disciplinary measures. For the moment, the federation has not yet ruled on his case. But Lee has already lost big.
