Kim Min-jae Explains Gesture After Substitution in Letter

[Anchor]

Yesterday, on June 25, a scene involving Kim Min-jae, who appeared to protest against the coaching staff after being substituted during the match against South Africa, sparked controversy. Kim has since clarified through a letter that his reaction was not a sign of dissatisfaction with the substitution, but rather an expression of frustration regarding the match situation.

Reporter Ha Seong-nyong has the story.

[Reporter]

Kim Min-jae was substituted just two minutes after South Korea conceded the opening goal to South Africa in the 18th minute of the second half.

After shaking hands with head coach Hong Myung-bo, Kim appeared to protest to coach Kim Jin-kyu with a dissatisfied expression, spreading his arms wide before heading straight to the locker room.

Following the match, head coach Hong stated that Kim was substituted due to an injury.

[Hong Myung-bo / National Football Team Head Coach (Yesterday): He had a slight calf injury, so I made the substitution.]

However, Kim himself suggested that his calf was fine.

[Kim Min-jae / National Football Team Defender (Yesterday): (I heard your calf was bothering you; how is your condition?) I am fine now. It is not that serious.]

This led to speculation that he was expressing dissatisfaction with being substituted despite having no physical issues.

As the controversy grew, Kim issued a letter through the Korea Football Association to the press to clarify the situation.

He explained that when he said he was fine in the interview, he meant he could play in the next match after recovery, and that he was not expressing dissatisfaction to coach Kim Jin-kyu, but rather frustration over the widening gaps in the defense.

He added that he reflected on his actions for disrupting the team atmosphere and had apologized to the head coach and the coaching staff.

[Hong Myung-bo / National Football Team Head Coach (Today): If the player himself says it was a misunderstanding, then it is a misunderstanding. It was not about dissatisfaction with the substitution at all.]

Although the individuals involved have personally denied rumors of internal strife, the shock of the defeat against South Africa has been so significant that questions and controversies surrounding the national team continue to arise.

(Video reporting: Hwang In-seok | Video editing: Yoon Tae-ho | Graphics: Han Song-yeon)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.