Lee Kang-in (21, Paris Saint-Germain), who helped South Korean soccer win its third consecutive game at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, said about the military service benefits, “I don’t have any special thoughts as all Korean men should do it.”

The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hwang Sun-hong, came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in the men’s soccer final held at Huanglong Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China on the 7th.

Lee Kang-in, who started, played until he was replaced in the 27th minute of the second half, waited on the bench, and when Korea’s gold medal was confirmed, he ran to the stadium and enjoyed the joy of winning. 스포츠토토

In an interview after the game, Lee Kang-in said, “I’m so happy to achieve my goal,” adding, “I’d like to thank my fellow players, coaching staff, and fans for their support.”

Lee Kang-in said, “Especially, it was my first time winning a game on behalf of Korea, so it was a more special and good experience for me. I won’t forget it in the future,” he said.

Lee Kang-in became the most valuable player in the 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, but the national team was runner-up at the time.

Lee Kang-in said, “Since I won, this moment is the most memorable,” adding, “It is a competition that I could learn a lot as a person while playing in the future.”

Regarding Hwang Sun-hong, who led the national team, he said, “Even before the start of the tournament, public opinion was bad and he was criticized a lot, but he trusted the players and the players trusted the coach. I hope you will continue to win more competitions in the future,” he said.

With this gold medal, Lee Kang-in was transferred to a sports agent, receiving military service benefits, and being able to continue playing professional soccer in Europe to fulfill his military service. In response, Lee Kang-in said, “The military service was not such a big burden. “It is true that I have become more comfortable in my career in the future, but I have no special thoughts as it is something that all Korean men should do,” he said cautiously.

Lee Kang-in also said he did not see other events at the Asian Games due to poor internet during the tournament, but cheered, “Those who have not won medals have prepared hard so far, but I hope we will continue to work hard with the pride of representing our country as the same player.”

Asked if he would like to play in next year’s Paris Olympics in Paris, Lee Kang-in, who plays for the French professional football Paris Saint-Germain, said, “I don’t think of the Olympics because the Asian Games have just ended. I just want to enjoy it now,” he said.