'The government will do everything it can so this tournament does not remain only a painful setback'

President Lee Jae Myung delivers remarks before a luncheon with former President Moon Jae-in at Sangchunjae inside Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday. [Yonhap]
President Lee Jae Myung delivers remarks before a luncheon with former President Moon Jae-in at Sangchunjae inside Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday. [Yonhap]

President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday offered words of comfort to South Korea's national football team, saying captain Son Heung-min and his teammates had "worked incredibly hard" at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lee posted the message on X, formerly Twitter, extending his "deepest condolences to the players of the South Korean national football team, whose hearts must be heavier than anyone's right now."

"Over the past four years, you kept your eyes fixed solely on the World Cup — playing through countless friendly matches, overcoming unexpected injuries and grueling rehabilitation," Lee wrote. "I imagine you endured training that pushed you past your limits, your uniforms soaked through with sweat, your skin darkened under a blazing sun."

He added that the burden of wearing the national team badge may have weighed even more heavily than any physical pain. He also expressed empathy for how hollow it must feel to have the entire journey end in just a matter of days.

Lee praised the players for never giving up until the final moment. "Regardless of the results, you are national representatives South Korea can be fully proud of," he said. "You poured everything you had onto the pitch to give the people hope and pride."

He stressed that true support means standing by the players even in disappointment. "In moments of victory, everyone celebrates together. But real support means never letting go of the players' hands even when the result falls short," Lee wrote. "We know the value of every drop of sweat and every tear you shed, and of the matches that were left unplayed. That is why we will continue to cheer for you — the pride of South Korean football — without wavering."

Lee also pledged government support, saying the administration would "do everything it can so that this deeply painful tournament does not remain only a setback, but becomes the foundation for an even greater leap forward for South Korean football."


moone@heraldcorp.com