The South Korean national soccer team’s defeat at the Asian Cup has growingly become a source of controversies in the country, with a reported scuffle between its two top stars, Son Heung Min and Lee Kang In taking the majority of the spotlight currently.
Son Heung Min | Yonhap
According to recent reports, the two players got into an altercation the night before their match with Jordan, which ended up dislocating Son’s fingers. The player was seen on the field with his fingers in a brace for both as he played for the national team against Jordan and, soon after, for his club Tottenham Hotspur against Brighton.
| magzter.com
As reports started pouring in speculating about the physical altercation between Son and Lee, the latter’s legal representatives put out a statement refuting the claims. The entire situation remains murky, with some skeptical about the authenticity of the reports and others demanding punishment for Lee.
Lee Kang In | The Sun
But in the midst of conflicting opinions, Son Heung Min’s painful injury has drawn out sympathy and concern across the board. Reports detailing the extent of his injury stated that the player struggled to even shake hands casually due to the pain.
So painful was the dislocation that days later, Son was still warning people before shaking hands with them in order to save himself any more discomfort.
— Football London
In a new video, the lingering effects of Son’s finger dislocation were caught up close, upsetting many fans. On February 16, a fan posted a clip of Son Heung Min signing autographs for fans. Though his finger brace was off, the player could be seen visibly flinching as he went to grab the pen. Even though he pushed the pain away to sign the autographs, it was evident that he couldn’t hold the pen normally.
손흥민 첨에 뭐에 닿고 아파서 그러는 거야??ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ억장무너짐 pic.twitter.com/uKwaa1yPHC
— 북북 (@mall_dduck7) February 16, 2024
Fans were concerned after seeing the condition of Son’s hands and wished him a quick recovery.
| theqoo “A finger injury like that lasts longer than you’d think. If physical therapy is not done properly, it will stay swollen for 1-2 years TT.” “Oh no! How did this happen TT.” “It must hurt a lot TT TT.” “I also have a fractured finger right now, so I know it very well. Heung Min, why did you take off your braces?” “Oh no TTTTTTT Heun Min TT.” “Sonny TT TT.”
