[Anchor]

National football team captain Son Heung-min has returned home with his teammates. Unlike the return of former head coach Hong Myung-bo, which was met with profanity, fans welcomed the players with warm support and consolation.

Reporter Ha Seong-nyong has the story.

[Reporter]

[Hong Myung-bo, get out!]

[Hong Myung-bo, get lost!]

In stark contrast to the return of former head coach Hong Myung-bo two days ago, which was filled with shouting and profanity,

[Son Heung-min, you worked hard.]

[We love you, Son Heung-min!]

Fans who gathered at the airport from the early hours of yesterday (July 1) holding cheering placards warmly welcomed and comforted captain Son Heung-min, who returned alongside teammates such as Kim Seung-gyu and Eom Ji-sung.

Son greeted the fans with a calm expression,

[Son Heung-min/National Football Team Captain: (Could you say a word to the fans? Do you have any regrets?) I am sorry.]

He kept his comments to the press brief before leaving the airport.

Having seen his fourth World Cup end in disappointment with a group stage elimination, Son posted a lengthy message on social media before his departure. While apologizing for the poor performance, he expressed his determination to continue playing for the national team, promising to run with everything he has for the fans.

Fans also expressed their hope to continue seeing the fighting spirit of Son Heung-min, who wears the Taegeuk mark.

[Lee Sae-am/Football Fan: It is heartbreaking to see that the person who should really be apologizing is not, and that Son Heung-min, as captain, is apologizing on his behalf.]

[Kim Seong-jin/Football Fan: There are players like Messi, Ronaldo, and Modric who continue to play even after turning forty, so I think Son will definitely participate in major tournaments like the World Cup no matter what.]

Son plans to recharge in Korea for the time being before departing for the United States to join his club, LA FC, for their match schedule.

With the rest of the squad returning yesterday following the main group two days ago, the World Cup journey for Korean football has officially come to an end.

Reported by Ha Seong-nyong | Video by Yoo Dong-hyuk | Video Editing by Kim Jong-tae | Graphics by Jeon Yu-geun