Heung-Min Son: I apologize to all citizens and fans, and beg for less excessive criticism

South Korea crashed out of the World Cup group stage and failed to reach the knockout rounds. Team captain Heung-Min Son posted an apology on his personal social media account.

Heung-Min Son's Statement:

I don’t even know where to start. I cannot pretend nothing has happened, nor do I wish to evade reality. First of all, I want to offer my sincerest apologies to all citizens of South Korea and every fan who has loved football all this time. As someone who also loves football deeply, I would feel tremendous regret, frustration and sorrow if I watched a match like this myself.

Therefore, I know a simple "I’m sorry" can never bear the disappointment and pain that all fans feel; even uttering these words feels far from enough. Every single day, every single moment, I know your hearts are filled with mixed emotions, tormented more than anyone else. I must pass this message on to you all. This tournament means everything to me, and my heart is heavy and aching beyond words when this so-called "dream stage for the boys" collapses just like this.

To be honest, I still cannot fully accept this reality to this day. When I think about the fans who bear far greater disappointment and heartache than I do, I even tread carefully when talking about my own feelings. Yet I believe all of you are feeling much the same as I am right now. I am fully aware that countless things have been sacrificed for this stage. All the time you’ve devoted, your heartfelt support, your unwavering cheers and love—yet I failed to repay you in return, and I carry a deep sense of responsibility for this. I am truly, truly sorry.

At the same time, I wholeheartedly thank everyone who believed in us, supported us and stood by us until the very end. Rather than putting this into words here, I wish to ease the hearts of South Korean citizens and countless fans through my actions. I will return to my position and give my all. To bring you joy once more, I will spare no effort, even at the cost of my life.

I have not forgotten the promise I made to the fans. Before you seek me out or call for me, I will pour everything I have into thorough preparations and start anew.

Lastly, it weighs heavy on my heart to make another request of you all under such circumstances, and I feel sorry for doing so. Yet I humbly beg you all: instead of laying excessive criticism and hurt upon every player, please offer them warm support and encouragement, even though it may be difficult to do so. Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy post.