After Lee Kang-in revealed that he went to London to apologize to Son Heung-min, Son posted a photo with Lee Kang-in on Instagram. Son asked for fans to forgive Lee with a generous heart. This Photo was uploaded on Son's instagram on Feb. 21, 2024. /Son Heung-min's Instagram

South Korea national football team captain Son Heung-min, who previously had a conflict with Lee Kang-in (22) during the Asian Cup in Qatar, recently posted a photo on his Instagram, stating that he would take ‘special care’ of Lee. This post was uploaded shortly after Lee Kang-in revealed through his own Instagram that he had personally apologized to Son.

On Feb. 21, Son posted a photo with Lee on his Instagram and wrote, “Today, I want to talk about something a little bit heavy and difficult.” He continued, “Lee has sincerely looked back at his behavior and offered a heartfelt apology to me and all the players of the national team.”

Son said, “When I was younger, I made many mistakes and exhibited childish behavior. But I was able to be here today because of the advice and teachings from good seniors. As a senior of the national team and as a captain, I and all of our players will take special care of Lee so that he does not repeat such wrongful behavior and can grow into a better person and a better player.”

Son acknowledges that his actions could also be criticized. However, he also believes that if similar events occur in the future, he won’t hesitate to prevent them.

He explained that one of the captain’s duties is sometimes to do things that might make other teammates’ unhappy, and for the team, he will do it if placed in the same situation again. Son said ”(But) I will strive to lead the team members more wisely in the future.”

Son also asked football fans to Lee, who has been going through a tough time since the incident.

Son also cleared the air about rumors within the national team, saying that they have always worked together as one team. There had been speculations about disputes between overseas and Korean league players as well as senior and younger players.

Son expressed his regret for the disturbance and promised to make more efforts to help the S. Korean national team grow.

Lee wrote on his Instagram earlier that day apologizing for his behavior during the last Asian Cup. He admitted that he had disappointed Son, the entire football team, and the fans due to his rash behavior.

Lee thought it important to apologize to Son personally, and so he went to London to see him. He also apologized to other senior members and teammates individually.

Lee acknowledged that his behavior on the night before the match with Jordan was unacceptable. “Respect and commitment to the team is the most important, but I somewhat overlooked them,” he wrote.

He also mentioned that he did not take Son’s advice, who was a captain, senior, and team colleague, seriously. Instead, Lee had only expressed his own opinions. Lee promised to adopt a more proper attitude and manners when dealing with seniors and colleagues in the future.

The dispute involving two players came to light when The Sun, a British media outlet, and the Korea Football Association (KFA) released statements.

On the evening prior to the semi-final match against Jordan, Lee and several younger players finished dinner early and decided to play table tennis according to the Sun.

A fight broke out between the two players when Son, who was concerned about maintaining a positive team atmosphere, attempted to intervene. During the confrontation, Son’s finger was dislocated.

After news of the incident spread, there was a significant public outcry against Lee in S. Korea. A chicken brand that had previously used him as a model chose not to renew his contract, and KT removed his advertisement due to the backlash.