President Lee Offers Deep Sympathy to National Football Team...Vows to Make This a Stepping Stone for Greater Progress

"Truly Proud Representatives of Korea, Regardless of the Outcome"

"True Support Means Not Letting Go of the Players' Hands, Even in Disappointing Results"

On July 1, President Lee Jaemyung offered words of comfort to the South Korean national football team, who concluded their World Cup schedule early, stating, "Regardless of the result, you are truly a source of pride for Korea as our national representatives."

President Lee Jae-myung delivers a congratulatory speech at the Southwest Advanced Industry Development Vision Public Report held at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju on June 30, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

In a message posted on his X account (formerly Twitter) that day, President Lee said, "I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the national football team players, who must be feeling heavier than anyone else," expressing his sentiments.

President Lee referenced the players' preparations over the past four years, saying, "You have played numerous friendly matches, overcome unexpected injuries, and endured grueling rehabilitation," and added, "I imagine you repeatedly pushed past your limits during training, your bodies tanned under the scorching sun and your sweat-soaked uniforms changed countless times."

He continued, "Perhaps what was even more difficult than the physical pain was the weight of carrying the title of 'Korean national representative,'" and added, "I can only imagine how empty it must feel for this entire journey to have ended in just a few days."

President Lee stressed that, regardless of disappointment over the tournament results, the players' dedication should be recognized. He said, "You never gave up until the last moment, and you poured your all onto the pitch to bring hope and pride to the people."

He went on to say, "In moments of victory, everyone rejoices together. But true support means not letting go of the players' hands even in the face of disappointing results," and added, "We fully understand the value of the sweat and tears you shed, as well as the remaining games you were unable to play."

President Lee also made it clear that this outcome should serve as an opportunity for renewal in Korean football. He stated, "As painful as this tournament was, we must ensure it does not remain only as a setback, but becomes the foundation for a greater leap forward in Korean football. The government will do everything it can to support this."

He concluded by once again expressing his gratitude and encouragement to the national team, saying, "To our captain Son Heungmin and all the players of the national football team, you have truly worked hard."

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