On February 14, various media outlets reported that there was serious discord within the Korean national team and that the rift between the players had grown deeper.

The Sun reported that the Korean national soccer team was experiencing a serious conflict between the players, causing a divide within the team. The media outlet also reported on an incident in which the two key players - Son Heung Min and Lee Kang In - had gone through a physical altercation that had caused the friction between them to worsen.

Amidst reports about the alleged discord between Son Heung Min and Lee Kang In, Lee Kang In posted an apology regarding his fight with Son Heung Min. 

Lee Kang In posted the apology on his Instagram story and wrote:

"Hello. This is Lee Kang In.

It has been reported that I had a dispute with Son Heung Min before the Asian Cup semifinals.

I deeply apologize for causing great disappointment to the soccer fans who always support our national team. I am truly sorry.

I should have taken the lead in listening to the words of my seniors, but I am sorry for showing a bad image to the soccer fans.

I apologize to those who have been disappointed in me.

I am well aware of the interest and expectations that soccer fans have for me.

In the future, I will strive to become a better player and a better person with the help of my seniors."

After Lee Kang In issued his apology, numerous Korean netizens became convinced of the accuracy of the reports and voiced their shock. They commented, "The apology letter seems oddly insincere," "This is legendary how the youngest player punched the team captain. If we compare this to the 2002 members, it's like Lee Cheon Soo punching Hong Myung Ho. Even Lee Cheon Soo wasn't that extreme," "Please be good to Son Heung Min... Geez... why are you guys doing this to the captain," "I'm a fan of Lee Kang In but this made me really disappointed in him," "I guess the reports were true," "Wow his character is really showing through," "Wow, his apology doesn't sound sincere and he posted it on his Instagram story, which automatically disappears after 24 hours," "Another player said in an interview that Lee Kang In would cross the line sometimes," "I don't know anything about soccer and I only know Son Heung Min and Lee Kang In but after this incident, I don't like Lee Kang In," "You don't need to apologize to us, you need to apologize to Son Heung Min personally," "So this is why they messed up at the Semi-finals," "Lee Kang In got way over his head after people were saying he's so good, he's so good," and "Lee Kang In's image is totally ruined after this."