There was no one amidst the cheers of the 'league championship.' The absence of Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) felt not just like a simple omission but rather a symbol of an increasingly deepening distance.

Bayern Munich, which secured the Bundesliga title, recently held an open training session at the club. In a tradition known as 'Guard of Honor,' the coaching staff and players entered the training ground to applause, and the footage was released through the club's official channel.

However, Kim Min-jae was not there.

The training session was a festive atmosphere with fans and club staff. Key players such as the winless icon Harry Kane and Thomas Müller and Eric Dier, who are preparing to say goodbye, appeared with bright smiles. However, Kim Min-jae, who ranked second in playing time on the team this season, was not visible.

There had been similar incidents previously. Right after Bayern confirmed the early Bundesliga championship, the club's official social media posted a 3-minute championship commemorative video, but Kim Min-jae was absent from the thumbnail. The scene of a key defender who supported the Munich defense being omitted drew criticism from fans at home and abroad, with some questioning, "Isn't this racism?"

As criticism intensified, the club belatedly replaced the image to include Kim Min-jae and posted a separate congratulations for his championship the next day. The message noted, "Kim Min-jae's dedication was a great help."

It was rather counterproductive. The phrase in the post stating "the first Korean to win the Bundesliga as a member of Bayern" sparked another controversy, as Jeong Woo-young had already had a championship record by appearing in a match during the 2018-2019 season. Fans expressed disappointment, saying that "the facts are wrong" and it would have been better to not have the 'crouching to receive a bow' style of damage control.

Kim Min-jae is officially out for the season. The club explained that he had been playing with pain in his Achilles tendon and foot and was excluded from the remaining two league matches in preparation for the club world cup and June A-match schedule. German outlet 'TZ' reported that "manager Kompany took early rest measures with Kim Min-jae."

Fans have a different perspective. This open training session was not just a simple game but a festive and symbolic reception within the club. While the injured Alphonso Davies, who underwent surgery, and the confirmed departing Dier made an appearance, Kim Min-jae was not there. Fans reflect on their disappointment, saying, "There was no reason to be absent from the Guard of Honor with such an injury."

This is not just a scheduling issue. The accumulated circumstances are being interpreted as a breach of trust between Kim Min-jae and the club.

Kim Min-jae has appeared in 43 official matches this season and has played 2,289 minutes in the Bundesliga alone. This is the second most playing time among field players on the team. Especially in the first half of the season, when center back partners were dropping out due to injuries, he was virtually a 'fixed full-time player.' His situation while playing under painkillers was worrying enough to even concern FIFPro (International Federation of Professional Footballers). Kim Min-jae's total official playing time for the season is 3,593 minutes.

Nevertheless, as the season comes to an end, he is increasingly absent. The repeated omissions in commemorative videos, congratulatory photos, training footage, and interactions with fans are hard to view as a mere coincidence.

The club officially does not rule out the possibility of transferring him. Florian Plettenberg stated that "if an offer of around 50 million euros (about 82 billion won) comes in, Bayern will consider Kim Min-jae's transfer." Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Juventus, among others, have already shown interest.

Kim Min-jae recorded his second European league title after Serie A at Bayern. However, behind that trophy was a player who ultimately did not receive applause.

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