South Korea national football team captain Kim Young-kwon said in an interview after the 2018 Russia World Cup Asian final qualifier against Iran, which ended in a 0-0 draw, that the crowd's cheering made it difficult for players to communicate. Kim Young-kwon apologized for his remarks through a football team official on the 1st, saying "I didn't mean to say that, but I made a mistake because my mind was complicated" and "I'm very sorry and regretful. I apologize to the fans who cheered for us." A team official explained that Kim Young-kwon realized his mistake late and was very distressed, and that he had no intention of belittling or damaging the home crowd's support. The official said that Kim Young-kwon made a mistake while self-criticizing for not being able to communicate with his teammates during the game. Kim Young-kwon is expected to apologize again before departing for Uzbekistan from Incheon International Airport on the 1st. Kim Young-kwon's remarks sparked controversy over the Korean national football team's performance in the 2018 Russia World Cup Asian final qualifier. The Korean national football team is currently preparing for the match against Uzbekistan after the draw against Iran. Kim Young-kwon's apology is expected to reassure the fans of the Korean national football team.