S. Korea, Sep 10 (V7N) – South Korea’s Bayern Munich defender, Kim Min-jae, admitted he was "wrong" to confront home fans following a frustrating draw against Palestine in Seoul during World Cup qualifying.

South Korean fans expressed their dissatisfaction by jeering new coach Hong Myung-bo before, during, and after the goalless draw last Thursday at the 66,000-seat Seoul World Cup Stadium.

After the match, Kim approached a section of the home supporters, later telling reporters he was "disappointed that some people wanted us to fail."

Speaking on the eve of Tuesday’s qualifier in Oman, Kim remarked, "I’ve heard that fans have decided not to boo at future matches, and I appreciate that.

"I do believe my actions were wrong," the 27-year-old added.

South Korea is currently on its fourth coach this year, with Hong returning for his second stint as head coach, a decade after his first tenure.

However, many fans have expressed discontent with his appointment and the process leading to it.

Despite the controversy, the players have publicly stood by their new boss. Kim, a central defender, noted that he was enjoying learning from Hong, a former South Korean captain and celebrated defender who led the team to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup.

"It’s an honor to be with someone who was Korea’s best defender and has extensive coaching experience," Kim said.

"He provides me with immediate feedback and advice. I always try to take his words to heart and apply them on the field."

Captain and Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min hit the woodwork late in the match against lower-ranked Palestine, but the visitors also created opportunities, resulting in an exciting draw.

Despite recent challenges, South Korea is expected to beat Oman in Muscat, as the hosts suffered a 1-0 defeat to Iraq in their opening match of the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

END/WSD/SMA/