South Korea national soccer team’s internal strife has escalated to the point where captain Son Heung Min has reportedly threatened to boycott the national squad if Lee Kang In is selected for future matches.
| @hm_son7/Instagram
The rift, which initially came to light following a reported fight that led to Son being injured and Lee Kang In apologizing, has now reached a critical point — with the team’s harmony and World Cup preparations hanging in the balance. According to insiders via a Hansbiz report, the altercation that occurred prior to this latest threat involved a confrontation over team dynamics and respect among players, with Son Heung Min and Lee Kang In at the center.
| @hm_son7/Instagram
Lee Kang In and others were about to leave for table tennis Son Heung Min called them out. When Lee talked back, Son grabbed him by the collar, injuring his finger in the process. After the situation calmed down, senior players lectured Lee on maintaining respect for seniority, to which Lee retorted ‘I’ll quit then.’
— National team insider
Despite Lee Kang In’s efforts to mend fences through his apology, the situation has already deteriorated. Son Heung Min, along with key players Hwang Hee Chan and Kim Min Jae, have expressed their discontent by threatening to step away from national duties if the conflict is not resolved to their satisfaction.
Son Heung Min and the players are very upset with Lee Kang In. They are even considering boycotting the national team if he is selected.
— National team insider
| Yonhap News Agency
The incident has cast a shadow over the team’s recent performance, notably contributing to a disappointing defeat against Jordan in the Asian Cup, which saw South Korea’s hopes of advancing to the finals dashed. The lack of team unity was palpable, pointing to a need for swift and decisive action to restore harmony within the squad.
| Getty Images
The Korean Football Association now faces a critical point, with the potential to significantly disrupt preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March. The association is set to convene a committee meeting on February 15 to deliberate on the Asian Cup‘s outcomes and discuss Coach Klinsmann‘s future, who will participate via video call.
| @hm_son7/Instagram
The association’s handling of the situation will not only determine the immediate future of key star players like Son Heung Min and Lee Kang In but also set the tone for the team’s preparations for the World Cup qualifiers.
