"I think it's natural to criticize. Criticizing players is also a normal part of it. However, excessive criticism does not help the players, so I hope many people can love soccer in a good atmosphere. I hope both fans and those in the soccer community can help just a bit more, really just a bit more, so we can show a good performance in the World Cup."
The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, faced Kuwait in the 10th match of Group B of the final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 10th, winning decisively 4-0.
With this victory, Korea secured 22 points (6 wins, 4 draws) and finished the final qualifiers without a loss.
Already, Korea confirmed its place in the World Cup finals early by securing second place in the group with 5 wins and 4 draws (19 points) after a 2-0 victory against Iraq in an away match on the 6th. With this 4-0 victory, the national team celebrated this milestone together with the home fans.
Korea achieved an undefeated record in the final qualifiers for the first time in 15 years since 2010. After unfortunately losing to the UAE away on March 29, 2022, and failing to remain undefeated in the 2022 Qatar World Cup Asia qualifiers, Korea ended this qualifying round on a high note without a loss.
Korea took the lead with an own goal in the 30th minute of the first half, and in the 6th and 9th minutes of the second half, Lee Kang-in and Oh Hyun-kyu scored consecutively to bolster their momentum. Then, in the 27th minute of the second half, substitute Lee Jae-sung scored the fourth goal, sealing a perfect victory.
Lee Kang-in, chosen as the standout player, attended the official press conference after the match. He expressed, "I am grateful that the younger players did their best. The experience and help from older players have been a great support. We will continue to work as a team to achieve good results going forward."
He added, "The World Cup one year from now will be a difficult stage. We must be in our best condition. Since no players are confirmed yet, everyone must compete and prepare."
He also mentioned his growth: "In the last World Cup, I barely played in the final qualifiers and joined toward the end, but this time I’m playing many games and communicating with the players and coaching staff. This experience will be a great help."
Regarding his childhood dream of winning the World Cup, he said, "Winning major tournaments with PSG made me think, 'It's not impossible.' I believe that if we do our best, luck will follow. I will not give up and will prepare."
On the recent speculation about his transfer, he stated, "No matter where I am, I will always show my best form."
Lastly, he urged fans, saying, "There are many criticisms directed at the coach and the association, but it also impacts the players. I hope you can see the positive aspects more. Only then can we perform well in the World Cup."
After the press conference, Lee Kang-in re-encountered the mixed zone. He said, "Of course, I believe the association should do better, and the players know that well. We, as players, are communicating those thoughts to the association as much as possible. In the end, we also play for Korea, and whether in the World Cup or any national team match, we are playing for this country. We're trying to bring happiness to the people, and I believe it's natural to criticize," he cautiously reiterated.
He continued, "It’s also natural to criticize the players. However, excessive criticism does not help the players, so I hope everyone, including the players, can foster a loving environment for soccer. Everyone, including the players, the association, and the coaching staff, must work to create a positive atmosphere. While criticism is necessary, perhaps we need more interest and support than excessive criticism."
Lee Kang-in expressed disappointment over the recent crowd atmosphere, stating, "This game was the one where the stadium seemed emptier than any match since I was selected for the national team. If this atmosphere continues to worsen, Korean football will lose more and more interest from the public, which is not good for the players and will lessen the joy for the people. So, I hope you can see the good parts, and while it’s natural to criticize, I hope it’s not excessive."
He emphasized, "The players will show really good performance over the next year working with the coaching staff, and we want to bring happiness to the people during the World Cup, so that is why I am asking for just a bit more help from the fans and those in the soccer community."
In response to the question, "Did the fans' booing away affect the players?" he replied, "Not at all. It was the same when we went to the World Cup, and during the qualifiers, the teams in the final qualifying round are not easy. There are many tricky teams to play against. With one year left until the World Cup, I hope the players can do their best with a positive mindset."
Regarding the background of his recent candid remarks, he explained, "It's not so much about being in a position where it's okay to say this among the national team, but the most important thing is that everyone has been trying their best until now, and fans have also supported us a lot and taken an interest. It is my desire to have better play and a competitive team in the World Cup."
Regarding the last Qatar World Cup, he added, "That was a special World Cup not only for me but for everyone. I felt a great happiness and received a lot of attention. To achieve that again in the next World Cup, both the players and everyone must do their best so we can gain as much happiness as possible."
About his conversation with head coach Hong Myung-bo, he said, "The coach also mentioned this, and the coaching staff told me it would be good if I played more in my club. I think the same. I had some regrets in the second half of this season, but since next year is the World Cup, I need to prepare to be in the best shape possible."
Lee Kang-in, who is rumored to transfer to SSC Napoli, smiled and said about his future: "I don't know how it will go. Even if I'd like to give hints, the season is not over yet, and the transfer market has not opened. I have not discussed anything with the club, and I am just seeing things in the news. I don't know where I will be next year."
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