Son Heung-min: "I Apologize to the Fans... I Will Give My All Again"

National football team captain Son Heung-min (33, LAFC) has apologized to fans following the team's failure to advance to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America, promising to return to his position and do his absolute best once again.

Son posted a lengthy message on his social media account this morning (June 30), expressing his complex emotions by stating, "I do not know where to begin. I cannot pretend nothing happened, nor do I want to avoid the reality."

The national football team was eliminated from the World Cup on the 28th after finishing third in Group A with a record of one win and two losses in the group stage.

This is the first time Son has publicly shared his feelings since the elimination.

"First and foremost, I would like to sincerely apologize to the people of South Korea and the fans who love football," Son said, empathizing with the fans by adding, "As someone who also loves football, if I had watched these matches, I would have felt truly frustrated, stifled, and heartbroken."

He continued, "I wanted to convey this message to the fans who are going through a difficult time, with many emotions crossing their minds every day and every moment. This tournament was more precious to me than anyone else, and it feels as though the 'stage of my childhood dreams,' which I have always talked about, has crumbled. I am indescribably devastated and heartbroken."

This tournament marked the fourth World Cup in which Son has participated.

"To be honest, it is still not easy to accept this reality," Son said, expressing his sorrow over the dismal result. "I am cautious about even speaking of my own feelings when I think of the fans who are carrying much greater disappointment and pain than I am, but I believe the fans feel the same way I do."

He bowed his head repeatedly, stating, "I know very well that so many things were sacrificed for this stage. I feel a heavy sense of responsibility for failing to repay the time, heart, and unwavering support and love you have shown us. I am truly, deeply sorry. And I sincerely thank everyone who believed in us, supported us, and stayed with us until the end."

Son then comforted the fans with a pledge to rise again from this failure.

"Rather than trying to express everything in words right now, I will do my best in my position again to win back the hearts of the South Korean people and football fans," he said. "I will run with everything I have to bring you joy once more. I have never forgotten the promise I made to the fans. Until the fans look for me and as long as you need me, I will pour everything I have into preparing well again."

Son concluded his message with a request: "I earnestly ask that you send warm support and encouragement to all the players, rather than giving them too much criticism and hurt, even though I know it is very difficult for you."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.