▲ Kim Min-jae is substituted out during the second half of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A third match against South Africa at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on June 24, local time.
As the South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, suffered a 0-1 defeat against South Africa, leaving their advancement to the round of 32 uncertain, controversies surrounding their performance and team atmosphere continue to mount.
The South Korean national football team lost to South Africa yesterday (June 25) in their third group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico.
In particular, controversy has persisted over the substitution of key defender Kim Min-jae midway through the second half of the match against South Africa.
As Kim left the pitch, he raised both arms with a look of disappointment, a gesture that appeared to express frustration, sparking curiosity and speculation.
Following the match, head coach Hong Myung-bo stated in a broadcast interview that Kim had suffered a calf injury.
However, the controversy intensified when Kim later told reporters in the mixed zone that his calf was "fine," which, combined with his gesture, raised further questions.
Some interpreted this as meaning he was substituted despite having no physical issues.
Kim clarified the situation today (June 26) through the Korea Football Association (KFA), stating that there seems to be a misunderstanding.
▲ Kim Min-jae dribbles during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A third match against South Africa at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on June 24, local time.
In a letter-style statement, Kim explained, "I felt something wrong in my right calf and thought that if I kept playing, it would be difficult to play in the next match, so I requested a substitution from the coaching staff."
He clarified that saying he was "fine" after the match meant "it could be fine for the next match once I recover."
Regarding the gesture he made during the substitution, he said, "I wasn't expressing frustration about being substituted, but rather disappointment over the defensive gaps that kept widening.
It was an action driven by excitement and emotion because the game wasn't going well."
He added, "I reflected on my actions, feeling that I disrupted the team atmosphere from the bench during a difficult situation, and I apologized to the head coach and coaching staff. I don't know if I will get the chance to play in the next match, but if possible, I will do my best to make up for disappointing everyone with a good performance."
Head coach Hong Myung-bo met with reporters after returning to the Chivas Verde Valle training ground in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, where the team's base camp is located.
When asked about the issue, Hong replied, "If the player himself says it is a misunderstanding, then it is a misunderstanding."
Hong explained, "The coaching staff informed me that Kim's calf was hurting, and after communicating with him, we decided to substitute him because he was unable to continue playing.
I didn't clearly see what happened on the sidelines after that."
He emphasized, "It was absolutely not frustration over being substituted.
He wanted the substitution, and that is why we made the change."
Hong also addressed the defensive gaps that Kim had expressed disappointment about.
Hong said, "The process of losing the ball to the opponent was not good.
Even if we lost possession, our movement to stay compact and immediately press to win the ball back was fine in the first and second matches, but in the end, it seems we couldn't do it due to physical fatigue."
He added, "If you can't run, the gaps are bound to widen."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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