Kim Min-jae (27, Naples), the core of the Korean national soccer team, had a difficult week.
The aftermath of Kim Min-jae’s interview was enormous. Rumors of a disagreement with the national team’captain’ Son Heung-min (31, Tottenham) also spread in the controversy over retirement. After the game against Uruguay on the 28th of last month, Kim Min-jae said, “I’m mentally broken. I want to focus on my team rather than the national team.” This led to criticism and criticism that he was neglecting the Taegeuk mark game, and it was interpreted as a preview of his retirement, creating a wave.
In the end, Kim Min-jae set out to explain through his Instagram the next day that “the meaning of hardship was misrepresented” along with a post containing the meaning of apology. However, this led to an unexpected discord with Son Heung-min. At the same time that Kim Min-jae posted an apology, Son Heung-min uploaded an article on social media saying that it was an honor to wear the national team uniform. It was a contrasting situation with Kim Min-jae. Coincidentally, the fact that Kim Min-jae and Son Heung-min ended their social media friendship was captured by soccer fans. Afterwards, the ’96 clique theory’ appeared because players born in 1996 in the national team clicked ‘Like’ on their friend Kim Min-jae’s post, but did not click on Son Heung-min’s post.
Kim Min-jae spent a week like a roller coaster. In this process, there were mistakes made by Kim Min-jae, and on the contrary, there were misunderstandings where the meaning was misunderstood or exaggerated. 스포츠토토
Kim Min-jae opened his mouth about various controversies through his agency Orange Ball the day before (the 1st). He first admitted and apologized for the fact that he had temporarily stopped following Son Heung-min and social media. Kim Min-jae said, “My thoughts were short and I was wrong. Son Heung-min always posts such a message after the national team convocation, but because of the interview I conducted, I misunderstood and acted out of common sense. I contacted Son Heung-min separately and apologized. I want to say sorry once again.”
However, it was clearly stated that it was not true about the rumors that he neglected the national team game, was excluded from the call-up list, or asked for a game break. He also drew a line about the ’96 faction theory’ in the national team, saying, “It’s an embarrassing story.”
Kim Min-jae expressed his sincerity, “I always had the mindset to work hard in the national team, and somehow I tried to do my best in every game. I have never played without pride and responsibility.”