“When Did We Ever Threaten Anyone With Retirement?” ... Hwang Hee-chan, Deeply Distressed, Reveals the Truth About the Locker Room

[Financial News]  ‘Speculation and distortion off the pitch were buried by our fighting spirit on it.’
Hwang Hee-chan (Schalke), who endured intense emotional strain after being singled out as the opposing side in the alleged feud between the ‘92 and ‘96 groups that rocked South Korea’s national football team, has finally spoken out. He shared the anguish he felt over distorted rumors that were not based on fact, while also dispelling public concerns with a perfect scoring combination with his senior teammates.
The national team, led by interim coach Robert Moreno, lost 2-3 to Saudi Arabia in a friendly at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on the 13th (local time). It was a disappointing one-goal defeat, but the biggest positive from the match was the unity demonstrated on the pitch by players at the center of the factional controversy.
Hwang Hee-chan, who started at left wing, opened up the attack with his trademark, aggressive runs. The highlight came in the 23rd minute of the second half, when the team was facing likely defeat at 1-3. Hwang drove into the left side of the penalty area and threaded a sharp pass through, which ‘92-line’ Lee Jae-sung (Mainz) redirected into the net. It was a goal the two produced as if to prove a point, after issuing a joint statement the day before the match saying they would ‘move forward toward the same goal.’
Hwang Hee-chan also showed a strong understanding with ‘captain’ Heung-min Son. In the 19th minute of the first half, Son turned Hwang’s forward pass—which had beaten a defender—into a dangerous left-footed shot, making the rumors of a rift seem groundless.

Hwang Hee-chan, who played brilliantly until being substituted for Um Ji-sung (Swansea City) in the 36th minute of the second half, met with reporters after the match and spoke candidly about the anguish he had felt.
“Honestly, it was so hard when things we never even imagined got out,” Hwang Hee-chan said. “So many things that weren’t true were distorted. At first, we wanted to resolve things internally, so the players kept meeting.”
On the joint statement, he added, “The discussions we had while preparing the agreement were a really important time, and I’m grateful for them. We needed to talk carefully so that being far apart wouldn’t lead to misunderstandings. After continuing to share our concerns, we reached the conclusion that the national team should move forward in a positive direction.”
Although the team lost, Hwang Hee-chan was already looking toward a better future for South Korean football. Clenching his fist, he said, “Before I knew it, I was in my 11th year as a national team player. Even in difficult moments, I tried not to hide and to step forward. I only want the national team and South Korean football to develop. If you continue to believe in us and support us, I’ll show you even better performances.”
The national team veteran in his 11th year, bruised by false rumors, proved his sincerity not with excuses but with sweat and a selfless assist.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter