Soccer commentator Lee Young-pyo. [Yonhap]
Soccer commentator Lee Young-pyo. [Yonhap]

Former soccer player and commentator Lee Young-pyo has revealed that he lost 20 million won ($13,880) after buying 20 World Cup tickets out of his own pocket, only to see South Korea fail to advance to the round of 32.

Lee appeared as a special MC on Sunday's episode of the KBS 2TV variety show "Sajangnim Gwineun Dangnaegwi" ("The Boss Has Donkey Ears"), where he and the cast discussed their monthly living expenses and spending habits.

During the broadcast, MC Jeon Hyun-moo revealed that Lee had been the biggest spender among those present. "He bought tickets to the LA match thinking South Korea would make the round of 32, and lost every one of them," Jeon said.

Lee confirmed he had purchased 20 tickets in advance at 1 million won each, spending a total of 20 million won.

"As the national team kept winning, ticket prices climbed to between 4 million and 5 million won per ticket," Lee said. "But ultimately we didn't make the round of 32, so I ended up giving the tickets away to people around me." Jeon then teased him, saying, "So that's why you slammed the desk during the broadcast — 'Oh, my LA tickets!'" — drawing laughter from the cast.


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