Kim Min-jae has directly addressed the controversy surrounding his substitution during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Bayern Munich defender explained the situation and outlined his demands for South Korea's next manager in a video released on broadcaster Kim Jong-kook's YouTube channel 'GYM JONG KOOK' on August 8.
South Korea was eliminated in the group stage after a 1-0 loss to South Africa in their final Group A match on June 25. Kim, substituted in the 65th minute, sparked debate by raising his arms as he walked to the bench. The team managed only two shots on target in that match and struggled offensively. As seen on our squad page, the team is now searching for a new manager following the end of Hong Myung-bo's tenure.
What happened during the substitution
Kim Min-jae first stated he had no issue with being substituted itself. He explained, "I was substituted because I felt discomfort in my calf," maintaining consistency with his previous comments. However, he admitted to voicing concerns about the team's situation during the match. Kim said, "There were things that weren't working out during the game, so even though I shouldn't have, I said something along the lines of, 'We need to bring on an attacker.'" This is seen as reflecting his confusion over then-coach Hong Myung-bo's decision to bring on another defender, Park Jin-seop, while trailing 1-0.
What was his assessment of the South Africa match
Kim Min-jae gave a frank assessment of the team's overall performance. "To be honest, the players didn't play well against South Africa either," he said. "Compared with the other matches, we weren't good overall, and it was difficult." South Korea played three matches in the tournament, and our stats show they averaged just 48% possession. They finished bottom of their group, particularly lacking in creating clear-cut chances.
What does he want in the next coach
Regarding the appointment of the next national team manager, Kim Min-jae called for a leader with a clear philosophy. He said he wants someone "who has a clear idea of the kind of football he wants to play, can point things out when the team isn't following his tactics and has a variety of patterns in his play." This suggests a need for systematic direction as the team prepares for its future fixtures. The final standings in Group A were the Netherlands, Senegal, South Africa, and South Korea.
What comes next for the team
Kim Min-jae's comments reveal internal reflection on the World Cup failure and a demand for change. His remarks are based on a report by the Hankook Ilbo. The national team must now regroup under new leadership. While the defensive organization was relatively stable, improvement is needed in attacking transitions and the final strike. Managing player fitness remains a key task, requiring close monitoring of the injuries list. It remains to be seen if the opinions of key players like Kim Min-jae will be incorporated into building the next system.
