New South Korea coach behind Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in reconciliation

By Hoang Nguyen March 4, 2024 | 06:18 pm PT

South Korea's head coach Hwang Sun-hong looks on prior to the men's football gold medal match between South Korea and Japan during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou in China's eastern Zhejiang province on Oct. 7, 2023. Photo by AFP/Jung Yeon-je

The reconciliation of formerly-feuding South Korean footballers Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in was facilitated by Hwang Sun-hong, new interim manager of South Korea national football team, newspaper Donga Iibo reported.

The South Korean outlet said Hwang was the one who helped solve the conflict between the two South Korean stars.

However, it's not by chance that Hwang helped Lee Kang-in make amends with his senior. The two are believed to have a special relationship.

At the Asian Games last year, Hwang led South Korea to a 2-1 victory over Japan in the final. From that tournament on, Hwang made an effort to catapult Lee's talent more into the spotlight.

Lee, who plays for French giant PSG, has also appreciated Hwang for recognizing his potential.

The conflict between Lee and Son happened on Feb. 5, one day before South Korea's 0-2 defeat against Jordan in the Asian Cup semifinal. During dinner, a few young players, including Lee, were playing ping-pong and making a loud, disruptive racket. They didn't listen when Son told them to stop. A brawl between Son and Lee broke out, resulting in Son dislocating a finger.

When the story was exposed on Feb. 14, the media and fans called it the biggest scandal in the history of the South Korean national football team.

Son Heung-min (L) and Lee Kang-in meet in London, England for the first time after the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo by Instagram/@hm_son7

After the incident, Lee was the center of backlash when fans boycotted him and brands terminated advertising contracts with him for his perceived tarnishing of the national team's image. On Feb. 21, the two made peace after Lee flew to London to meet Son.

The brawl also led to the sacking of head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, whose contract is still valid until 2026. The Korean Football Federation (KFA) had to thus pay Klinsmann a hefty amount of compensation.

When Hwang was appointed as the interim coach of the South Korean national team on Feb. 27, speculation began on whether he would call up Lee to the team.

Hwang will lead South Korea to play against Thailand in two 2026 World Cup qualifier matches in March. After that campaign ends, he will continue preparations for the U23 Asian Cup in April, which also acts as the Olympic qualifiers

"I’m very worried about the upcoming U23 Asian Cup. However, I will coordinate with the assistants to ensure no shortcomings occur," Hwang told Korean media.

"I have thoroughly prepared to achieve good results in this series of matches."

According to the official Korea Football Association schedule, the national team squad list will be announced on March 11 and the training process will begin on the 18th.