Lee Kang-in Returns to South Korea Following Son Heung-min Altercation Controversy

On March 19, PSG midfielder Lee Kang-in arrived at Incheon International Airport, marking his first return to South Korea since the widely publicized altercation with national team captain Son Heung-min. Despite the intense media scrutiny and public pressure surrounding the incident, the 23-year-old athlete appeared calm and maintained a positive demeanor, even offering a polite bow to fans waiting at the terminal.

The conflict, which reportedly occurred on February 6 before the Asian Cup 2023 semifinal against Jordan, created a significant stir in the South Korean sports community. Reports indicated a heated disagreement involving a ping-pong match that escalated into a physical confrontation. Following the revelations by The Sun on February 14, Lee Kang-in faced severe backlash and criticism from the public and sponsors alike.

However, upon his arrival for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Thailand, there were no reports of hostility from the gathered supporters. Lee Kang-in, who joined the national team training late due to his club commitments with Paris Saint-Germain, is expected to address the situation further during official press events. National team manager Hwang Sun-hong has opted to include both Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in in the squad, signaling a focus on team unity as they prepare for the crucial matches on March 21 and 26. This return marks a pivotal moment for the young star as he seeks to reconcile with fans and his teammates after a turbulent period in his professional career.

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