Kim Young-kwang blames coach's stubbornness for Lee Seung-woo's omission

Former national team goalkeeper Kim Young-kwang has once again voiced his conviction regarding Lee Seung-woo's exclusion from the 2026 World Cup final roster, stating it was "due to the coach's stubbornness." Having previously made headlines by shouting "Leave Hong Myung-bo" during a live broadcast of a World Cup match, he once again refused to hide his views regarding the national team's player selection.

On the 22nd, the MBC entertainment program 'Radio Star' featured singer Shin So-yul, former footballer Kim Young-kwang, footballer Lee Seung-woo, and singer Jung Seung-hwan as guests.

During the broadcast, Lee Seung-woo opened up about his honest feelings regarding the moment the final entry for the 2026 World Cup was announced, a moment he had been anticipating.

Recalling that time, Lee said, "As the World Cup approached, my performance was good, and I had personal expectations. I watched the final roster announcement while kneeling alone in prayer."

He continued calmly, "The midfielder list passed, and the forward list was also announced, but my name never came out. The remaining spots were for players like Son Heung-min and Oh Hyeon-gyu, so I turned off the TV immediately. My heart ached for several days."

He also expressed his regret, saying, "Coach Hong Myung-bo came to watch the last two or three matches in person. Every time the coach visited the stadium, I scored a goal. So I thought to myself, 'Maybe this time it might work,' but in the end, I was not selected."

Hearing this, Kim immediately shared his thoughts.

He spoke bluntly, saying, "I have consistently said that 'Seung-woo must be in the national team.' I believe the reason he ultimately wasn't included is due to the coach's stubbornness."

However, as if conscious of the potential controversy, he added, "This is strictly my personal opinion."

As Kim continued his remarks, Lee immediately distanced himself.

He drew a line with a laugh, saying, "I didn't say anything," and refrained from making direct comments regarding the evaluation of his exclusion.

Nevertheless, Kim persisted with his argument.

He evaluated him, saying, "Seung-woo is a player with a style that is hard to find among Korean players. He has flexible movements and rhythm, similar to African players. He is the type of player who can make a difference that changes the game."

He continued, "I believe that type of player was needed for the World Cup as well. If Seung-woo had gone to the national team, he would have been a variable capable of changing the flow of the match."

He then praised him, adding, "I thought he should continue to be picked for the national team, but strangely, the coach did not choose him until the end. He isn't called the 'Korean Messi' for nothing."

Kim had previously garnered significant attention during a live broadcast of a World Cup match last month, where he shouted "Leave Hong Myung-bo" immediately after the national team lost to South Africa. At that time, he also publicly expressed critical voices regarding the national team's performance and player utilization, sparking heated online debates.

On this episode of 'Radio Star,' Kim once again became the center of attention by unreservedly expressing his thoughts on the national team's selection criteria. On the other hand, Lee showed a contrasting attitude, honestly conveying his disappointment while refraining from direct criticism of the coach or the national team.