Midfielder Lee Jae-sung calls World Cup exit 'unimaginable ending'

National midfielder Lee Jae-sung of FSV Mainz described Korea’s group stage exit at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as "an unimaginable ending.”

“First of all, I sincerely thank everyone who gave their heartfelt support and encouragement to the national team and myself throughout the World Cup,” Lee wrote on his Instagram on Wednesday.

Lee returned to Korea early Wednesday alongside captain Son Heung-min and other national team players after completing the World Cup campaign.

"I also want to convey how truly sorry I am," Lee wrote. "I'm deeply sorry that we are returning with the pain of defeat instead of the joy of victory.”

Lee started Korea's opening Group A matches against the Czech Republic and the second match against Mexico. However, he remained on the bench for the team's final group-stage match against South Africa.

Days before the World Cup kicked off, a broadcaster’s YouTube channel aired a conversation in which several reporters at Korea’s training camp mocked Son’s military service exemption.

In response, the players boycotted media interviews.

The squad later reportedly became divided over how long the boycott should continue, with Son and Lee arguing to continue the boycott.

Rep. Jin Jong-oh, a lawmaker from the opposition People Power Party, later disclosed a tip that the fallout led to Son and Lee being left out of the starting lineup against South Africa.

"Was wanting to stay at the festivities [referring to the World Cup] for just one more day too much to ask?" Lee wrote. “As it was an unimaginable ending, it's harder to accept than anything else."

Yet Lee pledged to continue playing to bring joy back to fans.

"But I believe the day will come when I can accept this as a part of life," he added. "I'll work hard to come back stronger and bring you joy again."

BY KO SEUNG-PYO [[email protected]]