"Not Dissatisfied with the Coaching Staff"... Kim Minjae Explains Controversy Over Substitution Protest

Speculation Rises After Second-Half Substitution Against South Africa
"Gestures Were Out of Frustration With the Match, Not Refusal of Substitution"

"It was not dissatisfaction with the substitution but regret about the defensive line being stretched apart."

Kim Min-jae, the key defender for Hong Myung-bo's squad and currently playing for Bayern Munich, directly addressed the controversy after expressing discontent during his substitution in the third Group A match against South Africa at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.

On the 24th (local time), at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico, during the third match of Group A of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup against South Africa. Kim Minjae is coming on as a substitute in the second half. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Previously, during the second half of the match against South Africa on the 25th, Kim Min-jae was substituted out in the 65th minute, and was seen pointing towards the pitch and spreading his arms while shouting at coach Kim Jin-kyu and others. This led to speculation that he was expressing dissatisfaction with the substitution decision.

The post-match interview further fueled the controversy. While head coach Hong Myung-bo stated at the press conference that Kim Min-jae was substituted due to a calf injury, Kim Min-jae commented, "It's not a serious injury," causing misunderstandings.

As the controversy spread, Kim Min-jae sent a direct letter to the media on the 26th, stating, "Yesterday, I felt something wrong in my right calf during the match and asked the coaching staff for a substitution because I thought it would be difficult to play in the next match if I kept playing." He added, "There was some misunderstanding in the process, and I also want to address the parts where I was at fault."

Kim Min-jae: "I got excited because the match wasn't going well... I regret that I may have dampened the mood from the bench"

Kim Min-jae said, "It wasn't dissatisfaction with the substitution, but rather regret about the defensive line repeatedly being stretched apart during the match. There is absolutely no reason for misunderstanding." He added, "Because things weren't going well in the match, I got excited and my emotions showed. I reflected on how I may have dampened the mood from the bench in a difficult situation, and I have spoken about this to the manager and coaches as well."

Kim Min-jae concluded, "We don't know yet if there will be another opportunity for us in the next match, but if there is, I will do my best to repay the fans with a good performance."

Coach Hong Myung-bo: "Kim Min-jae himself felt calf pain and requested the substitution"

Head coach Hong Myung-bo also addressed the controversy, stating, "If Kim Min-jae himself said it was a misunderstanding, then it can be seen as such. At the time, Kim Min-jae felt pain in his calf and was substituted. I did not witness any signs of dissatisfaction with the substitution, but it was Kim's own request." He added, "I judged that continuing to play could affect his ability to participate in the next match. Afterward, his condition appeared to improve."

On June 25, Korea lost 0-1 to South Africa and is now third in the group with 1 win, 2 losses (3 points). Korea must now monitor the results of the other groups until the end and hope for a wildcard spot to advance to the round of 32.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.