Lee Jae-sung breaks silence after World Cup exit: 'An ending I never imagined'

South Korea midfielder Lee Jae-sung of Mainz has spoken publicly for the first time since the national team's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lee returned home Tuesday alongside teammates including Son Heung-min of LAFC and took to social media that day to share his feelings. "Was it too greedy of me to want to share this festival together for even one more day?" he wrote. "It was an ending I never imagined, and right now it is harder than ever to accept." He made no effort to hide his disappointment at the team's early elimination.

South Korea finished the group stage with one win and two losses, failing to advance even as one of the top third-place finishers — a route that would have secured a spot in the round of 32. Lee started in the first match against Czech Republic and the second against Mexico, but was left on the bench for the final group game against South Africa.

Still, Lee signaled he would not let the setback define him. "I believe a moment will come when I can accept that this, too, is part of life," he wrote.

He also offered gratitude and an apology to fans who supported the team throughout the tournament. "I am deeply grateful to everyone who sent sincere cheers and support to me and the national team during the World Cup," he wrote. "I am truly sorry for delivering the pain of defeat rather than the joy of victory."

He closed his post with a pledge to return stronger. "I will work hard to bring you joy again, in an even better form," he wrote.