Lee Jae-sung: 'An ending I never imagined — so hard to accept'

South Korea midfielder Lee Jae-sung (34, Mainz) has shared his thoughts on the national team's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Writing on his social media account on Tuesday, Lee opened by thanking supporters. "First, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who cheered for me and the national team throughout the World Cup," he said.

He then offered an apology. "I am truly sorry," he wrote. "I am deeply sorry that I could only bring you the pain of defeat rather than the joy of victory."

"Perhaps it was too much to wish for even one more day together at this festival," Lee said. "It was an ending I never imagined, and right now it is harder to accept than anything I have ever faced."

He added that he hoped to move forward. "But I believe a moment will come when I can accept this as part of life," he said. "I will work hard to show you a better version of myself and bring you joy again."

South Korea finished third in Group A with one win and two losses — three points — and were eliminated. They opened with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic but fell 0-1 to Mexico, then lost by the same scoreline to South Africa, a side considered a weaker opponent.

Lee featured in the matches against the Czech Republic and Mexico but did not take the field for the final group-stage game against South Africa.