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Former captain Ki Sung-yueng calls for football figures to reflect after World Cup exit

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Former national soccer captain Ki Sung-yueng called for introspection among Korean football figures following the team's failure to advance from the group stage in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
  • Ki, who captained the team during the 2018 World Cup, expressed disappointment but understanding of public disappointment after the team's early exit.
  • He emphasized the need for significant reform and self-reflection within Korean football, stating that all involved, including himself, must examine their contributions.

Ki Sung-yueng, who led South Korea as captain during the 2018 World Cup, has urged a serious reckoning for those involved in the nation's football.

I am fortunate that I only saw the first game (against Czech Republic) before returning (to Korea).

— Ki Sung-yuengDiscussing his experience supporting the national team during the World Cup qualifiers.

His comments came after the national team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the group stage. Ki, who had traveled to support the team and was present for their first match, expressed his regret and empathy for the public's disappointment.

"I am fortunate that I only saw the first game (against Czech Republic) before returning (to Korea)," Ki said, recalling the team's initial positive performance. "When I came, we were in a situation where we could advance in first or second place. I gave the players a lot of encouragement, but to end up like this (failing to qualify) is very regrettable as a former player."

When I came, we were in a situation where we could advance in first or second place. I gave the players a lot of encouragement, but to end up like this (failing to qualify) is very regrettable as a former player.

— Ki Sung-yuengExpressing disappointment over the team's early exit from the World Cup qualifiers.

Ki, a veteran of three World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018), stressed the need for fundamental change within Korean football. "I believe Korean football needs a lot of reform going forward," he stated. "Football figures must truly awaken. They must reflect a lot."

I believe Korean football needs a lot of reform going forward. Football figures must truly awaken. They must reflect a lot.

— Ki Sung-yuengCalling for significant changes and self-examination within the Korean football community.

He extended this call for introspection to himself, adding, "As a football person myself, I wonder if I have truly worked hard or done anything for Korean football."

As a football person myself, I wonder if I have truly worked hard or done anything for Korean football.

— Ki Sung-yuengExtending the call for reflection to his own role in Korean football.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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