Subtitled News: "Raising Both Arms Was Not a Protest"? Kim Min-jae Clarifies Substitution Controversy, Hong Myung-bo Responds

Following yesterday's World Cup group stage match against South Africa, suspicions of a rift between Kim Min-jae and head coach Hong Myung-bo arose after Kim raised both arms with a frustrated expression while being substituted. Kim has now stepped forward to address the situation.

Kim released a letter through the Korea Football Association today (June 26), stating that there seems to be a misunderstanding.

"I felt discomfort in my right calf and requested a substitution because I feared that continuing to play would make it difficult to participate in the next match," Kim explained.

Regarding his post-match interview yesterday where he said he was "fine," he clarified, "It meant that I could be fine for the next match if I recover."

As for the gesture he made while coming off the pitch, he said, "It was not a sign of dissatisfaction with the substitution, but rather frustration over the defensive gaps that kept opening up. It was an action driven by excitement and mixed emotions because the game was not going well."

He added, "I reflected on the fact that I disrupted the team's atmosphere on the bench during a difficult situation, and I apologized to the head coach and the coaching staff. I don't know if I will have the opportunity to play in the next match, but if I do, I will try to make up for the disappointment I caused with a better performance."

Head coach Hong Myung-bo returned to the training ground at Chivas Verde Valle near Guadalajara, the team's base camp, and responded to reporters' questions today, saying, "If the player himself says it is a misunderstanding, then it is a misunderstanding."

Coach Hong also stated, "The coaching staff informed me that Kim Min-jae's calf was hurting, and after communicating with him, we decided on the substitution because it was difficult for him to continue playing. He wanted to be substituted, and that is why we made the change."

Regarding the defensive gaps that Kim expressed frustration about, Coach Hong said, "Our movement to stay compact and immediately press to regain the ball even after losing possession was fine in the first and second matches. However, as a result, it didn't work out due to physical fatigue. If players cannot run, the gaps are bound to open up."

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Seo Byeong-wook | Graphics by Jung Yu-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.