0
South Korean national football team captain Son Heung-min speaks to reporters before training at Qatar University's training ground in Doha, Qatar, on Nov. 12 (Korea time), sharing his thoughts on the joint statement issued by several players and related matters. /Yonhap News Agency

South Korea national football team captain Son Heung-min (LAFC), who is in Qatar for two away international friendlies, has pledged to "repay fans with better performances" following the release of a joint statement that appears to have put rumors of discord within the team to rest, at least for now.

Speaking at an official press conference at Qatar University's training ground in Doha on Nov. 12 (Korea time), Son said, "Everyone grows up with different views and in different environments, so it is only natural that we sometimes feel uncomfortable with one another. We had a good discussion about working toward the same goal and moving in the same direction, so I hope people will focus only on the national team's performances from now on."

Earlier that morning, Son and four teammates — Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang Hee-chan (Schalke), Hwang In-beom (Porto) and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) — issued a joint statement titled "A Message to the Fans Who Love Korean Football," pledging to work together amid persistent rumors of discord.

Reports of tensions between Son and Lee, both born in 1992, and Hwang Hee-chan, Hwang In-beom and Kim, all born in 1996, had circulated since the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The players were reportedly at odds over Son's leadership and various other issues.

The three players born in 1996 were also caught up in rumors that they had jointly informed the Korea Football Association (KFA) of their intention to retire from international football under certain conditions following the Oct. 6 match against Uzbekistan, the last of four international matches played in September and October.

"It has been a difficult time because there has been so much talk about the national team," Son said. "But it also gave us a good opportunity to talk more with one another. I think this is part of the process of becoming a healthier and stronger team."

He added, "Just getting together with the players ahead of these two international matches is incredibly enjoyable. Training and competing alongside talented footballers is a valuable opportunity and experience. That feeling has never changed and never will."

Asked whether he would continue as captain, Son replied, "Whether I remain captain or step down is not a decision I can make on my own. I consider it a great honor to be entrusted with such responsibility, something that is not given to just anyone."

"As long as I serve as captain, I will try to set a good example for the younger players both on and off the pitch," he added.

Regarding the one-year postponement of the Asian Cup, Son said, "I think the postponement gives the national team more time to become stronger. It would be wonderful if we could win the title that Korean football has been waiting for so long with such a talented group of players."

"I want to maintain my form and fitness, and I hope we can all prepare well during the extra time, with winning the tournament as our goal, and have a successful competition," he added.

Meanwhile, South Korea will face Saudi Arabia in an international friendly at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha at 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 13. The team will then take on Qatar at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium at 11 p.m. on Nov. 17.

                                                                                                           Cho Seong-jun