Following South Korea’s group-stage elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, captain Son Heung Min shared a heartfelt apology with fans. On the morning of July 1, the football star received a warm welcome upon arriving at Incheon International Airport a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere that greeted head coach Hong Myung Bo just one day earlier.
After South Korea recorded its worst World Cup performance in history, head coach Hong Myung Bo officially announced his resignation on June 29.
The disappointing campaign also fueled a wave of unfounded speculation after Son was absent from the first group of players returning home. Some rumors even claimed that he had fallen out with the coaching staff.
The first group of returning players quietly dispersed at the airport without any official welcome ceremony or press event, while hundreds of disappointed fans voiced their frustration toward the team.
Amid the controversy, Son Heung Min posted an emotional message on his social media account on June 30. “I don’t even know where to begin, but I don’t want to avoid or run away from reality,” he wrote, revealing how deeply the disappointing result had affected him.
Son Heung Min also issued a sincere apology, saying, “Above all, I would like to bow my head and sincerely apologize to the people of South Korea and to every football fan.”
Son accepted responsibility as captain while expressing his determination to learn from the setback and return stronger in the future.
He concluded his message with a heartfelt request: “I know it won’t be easy, but rather than criticism or hurtful words, I sincerely hope you will continue to encourage and support us with warmth.”
His emotional post quickly drew an outpouring of support from many of South Korea’s biggest entertainment stars.
One of the first public figures to respond was Super Junior member Kim Hee Chul. Although Hee Chul had openly expressed disappointment immediately after South Korea’s defeat on June 25, he later left a crying emoji beneath Son’s post after reading the captain’s apology, signaling sympathy and encouragement.
Television personality Pyo Chang Won also shared a heartfelt message, writing, “As a fan, I will always support captain Son Heung Min, who has never stopped giving everything for his country. The joy and emotions he has brought us over the years are enough for me to remain grateful for the rest of my life as a Korean.” His comment received hundreds of supportive reactions.
Composer Yoon Il Sang insisted that the players should not shoulder all the blame, encouraging the team to look ahead to the next World Cup. Comedian Lee Yong Joo and musical actor Kim Ho Young also left supportive comments.
Actor Park Bo Gum expressed hope that Son would continue representing South Korea at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Musician Don Spike defended the squad as well, saying, “The players are not at fault. I was looking forward to seeing them shine again at the next World Cup. Stay strong, Korea!”
Meanwhile, actor Park Seo Joon widely known as one of Son Heung Min’s closest friends joined numerous celebrities including Psy, Crush, John Park, Oh Sang Jin, Shin Bong Sun, DinDin, Jung Jun Ha, Moon Se Yoon, Lee Hyun Yi, and Nucksal in liking Son’s post, quietly showing their support during a difficult moment.
On the morning of July 1, Son Heung Min returned to South Korea alongside teammates Um Ji-sung and Lee Jae-sung as part of the second group of players arriving at Incheon International Airport.
Large numbers of supporters had gathered at the airport from early in the morning, cheering loudly for the captain despite the team’s disappointing tournament.
As Son walked through the arrival hall, fans repeatedly shouted, “You’ve worked hard,” “Stay strong,” and “Don’t hang your head,” while applauding the 34-year-old striker. When reporters asked him how he felt about the World Cup campaign, Son simply apologized once again before quietly leaving the airport.
Sources: K14
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