[Sportschosun, Reporter Kim Joon-seok] Ahn Jung-hwan, a former national team footballer and broadcaster, finally voiced the frustration he had been holding back over the backlash surrounding Son Heung-min's substitution.
Ahn appeared on the recently released football variety content "Tikitiki Takataka Talk Talk Show" and analyzed South Korea's 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage match against Mexico with former Seongnam FC coach Kim Nam-il.
The biggest talking point that day was Ahn's candid view of the criticism directed at coach Hong Myung-bo over Son Heung-min's substitution.
South Korea had lost 1-0 to Mexico in its second group-stage match. After the game, Hong's decision to replace Son in the 12th minute of the second half drew criticism not only from fans but also from former players and football officials.
Ahn, however, made clear that he was deeply uncomfortable with the atmosphere of blaming the coach solely based on the result.
He said, "People keep saying, 'Why did he take Son Heung-min off so early?' But if Cho Gue-sung's header had gone in, everyone would have applauded." He was pointing out the flaw in judging everything by the final score.
"Don't just say things like that without thinking," he added. "That's the last thing people should do."
Ahn also delivered blunt remarks aimed at some of the critics.
He said, "Ordinary fans can say that. But some people who don't know what they're talking about keep making noise in a strange way."
He added, "I'm on the national team side, not on Hong Myung-bo's side. I just want the younger players to do well." He continued, "They're trying to stir up attention with things that don't even make sense, and that's what I hate the most."
After Ahn's comments were made public, reactions online were divided.
Some agreed, saying, "He accurately pointed out the tendency of experts to criticize only in hindsight." Others pushed back, saying, "The coach's tactics and substitution timing are still valid points for evaluation."
Meanwhile, Hong later explained the reason behind Son Heung-min's substitution directly through the KBS N Sports YouTube channel "Alls."
Hong said, "At that time, we absolutely needed a goal. I judged that bringing in fresher players would be better." He added, "It was a decision made to try to level the score."
South Korea will face South Africa in its final group-stage match on the 25th. A draw will be enough to advance to the round of 16, and attention is now focused on whether Hong's team can put the Son Heung-min substitution controversy behind it and turn things around.
narusi@sportschosun.com
