On February 15 KST, a spokesperson of Law Firm Seo On, representing soccer player Lee Kang In, issued an official statement to the press in light of the various allegations of internal discord between players on the South Korean national soccer team.
According to the statement,
"Lee Kang In is deeply regretting and reflecting on his mistakes. Once again, he apologizes for causing discomfort and concern to many soccer fans.
Considering that he was at the center of the dispute, Lee Kang In believed that an apology, rather than providing specific details of the incident, was the most appropriate course of action.
However, recent articles, including those from Dispatch, contained inaccurate information which is being exaggerated and reproduced as if it were true.
Therefore, it is necessary to correct any misinformation.
1) The articles stating that Lee Kang In threw his fist in Son Heung Min's face when Son Heung Min grabbed his collar are different from the truth.
2) During the table tennis incident, there were also senior players present, and table tennis had been a common activity prior to that day.
We will clarify and address the remaining issues at a later time.
Once again, sincere apologies to everyone who has been disappointed by Lee Kang In. "
Meanwhile, according to a 'Dispatch' report of the incident on February 15 KST, Son Heung Min "was punched in the face by Lee Kang In without an opportunity to dodge", and "further scrambling ensued among the players". During the scramble, Son Heung Min's fingers got caught in others' clothing, resulting in his finger suffering a fracture."
Afterward, Son Heung Min personally sought out Lee Kang In privately, and it's believed that Lee Kang In also apologized to Son Heung Min for the incident.
Currently, many Korean netizens are demanding that the Korean Football Association revoke Lee Kang In's mandatory military service exemption, which he earned after South Korea's national team won the gold medal in men's soccer at the '2022 Hangzhou Asian Games'.
2) During the table tennis incident, there were also senior players present, and table tennis had been a common activity prior to that day.
Idk if it’s just me, but this sounds like a defensive statement rather than a clarification :/
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