Korea captain Son Heung-min covers his face with his jersey after a 1-0 loss to South Africa in a Group A match during the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico, Wednesday (local time). Yonhap
Korea national football team captain Son Heung-min apologized on social media early Tuesday following the team's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and vowed to bounce back.
"I do not know where to start. I cannot ignore it, nor do I want to hide from reality," the Los Angeles Football Club forward wrote.
He sincerely apologized to the public, while noting that his apology could not capture the disappointment and hurt of Korean fans, acknowledging the emotional toll the tournament took on those who cheered on the team. Calling the exit a shattered "childhood dream," he said he was devastated.
"Even now, it is not easy to accept this reality," Son said.
