In response to the spread of false information, malicious speculation, and excessive criticism directed at South Korean national team players online, the Korean Football Association (KFA) has issued a statement urging the public to cease spreading unconfirmed information and to stop personal attacks against players.

The statement reads as follows:

To all fans who love and support Korean football:

Recently, a large amount of unconfirmed information and speculative comments about South Korean national team players have appeared on social media and online communities. Some players have also been subjected to excessive criticism and personal attacks.

The Korean Football Association respects fans' opinions and criticism regarding players' on-field performance and national team management. However, the KFA is deeply concerned about speculative comments and malicious slander being spread without verification, leading to excessive criticism of players, and strongly urges everyone to exercise restraint.

Currently, some individuals are treating internal discord within the national team as confirmed fact based solely on isolated images from training sessions or snippets of players' daily lives; others are spreading so-called "transfer rumors" that contradict the facts, and even using deepfake videos to mock players and damage their reputation.

Furthermore, some individuals are conducting personal attacks on players' personal social media accounts and their clubs' social media accounts, even demanding that relevant players be removed from the team. Such criticism has clearly exceeded reasonable limits.

These actions not only go beyond the bounds of legitimate criticism but also can cause serious psychological harm to individual players and are absolutely detrimental to the development of Korean football as a whole.

At the same time, the KFA will take serious action against the unauthorized use of videos and photos, which are the intellectual property of the KFA, to spread false or distorted information and to gain improper benefits.

Each player on the South Korean national football team is a respected and important member.

Each player may have different thoughts and opinions. Recognizing these differences, allowing free expression of viewpoints, and collectively finding the best direction for the team through communication are essential processes for building a healthy team.

We must avoid drawing conclusions about the team's internal situation or further escalating conflicts based solely on one-sided interpretations or speculation of this process.

The national team must compete in matches and various competitions as a cohesive unit, and communication and trust among teammates are crucial. The head coach and technical staff must lead the team to achieve optimal performance, and the KFA is responsible for providing the necessary support to allow players to fully dedicate themselves to the game.

The Korean Football Association is deeply aware of its responsibilities and will conscientiously fulfill its obligations.

The KFA takes this matter seriously, as it has caused concern and unease among fans.

Going forward, the KFA will further strengthen its support work and strive to help the national team achieve peak competitive performance. At the same time, we will carefully listen to the voices of players and humbly consider various opinions and criticisms from fans.

Thank you.

Korean Football Association

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Traducido por IA.

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