Lee Kang-in training [사진=연합뉴스]
The report that Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) punched captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham) ahead of the Asian Cup semifinal match against Jordan was refuted as being untrue, but the anger of soccer fans is not easily subsiding. In response, Lee Kang-in said he would personally come forward and explain the inside story of the feud.
Lee Kang-in’s representative, lawyer Garam Kim of Seon Law Firm, issued a statement on the 15th, saying, “Contents that are different from the facts in media reports are being expanded and reproduced as if they were facts,” and added, “We want to correct the content that is not true.”
Previously, entertainment media outlet Dispatch reported, “When Son Heung-min grabbed Lee Kang-in’s neck, Lee Kang-in threw a punch at Son Heung-min, and Son Heung-min had no time to dodge and was hit right in the face.”
However, Attorney Kim argued, “The claim that Lee Kang-in punched Son Heung-min in the face is not true.” At the same time, he said, “Lee Kang-in deeply regrets his mistake and is reflecting on it. Since he was at the center of the dispute, he thought it was right to apologize rather than tell the specific circumstances,” while complaining about Lee Kang-in’s unfairness.
Despite this explanation, soccer fans pointed out Lee Kang-in’s physical fight with captain Son Heung-min ahead of the semifinals and his obsession with table tennis. Also, regarding Lee Kang-in’s apology posted on Instagram Story the previous day, the response was, “Are you posting (an apology) on Instagram Story, which disappears quickly and cannot be commented on?” Posts posted on Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours.
As the criticism does not subside even after the explanation, Lee Kang-in is expected to come forward and express his position in person. According to Yonhap News, Attorney Kim said, “Lee Kang-in has a strong will to resolve this issue on his own. As soon as his physical condition recovers, he will come forward in person and express his position, including the details of the incident, through social media (SNS) and other means.”
Reporter Seungwan Hong veryhong@ajunews.com
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