“It’s embarrassing to shoot suddenly”
South Korean international striker Lee Kang-in, who joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the French Ligue 1, has asked fans to respect his privacy.
Lee posted on his Instagram on July 19 (KST), “Thank you for your love and interest. But please respect my privacy,” he wrote, adding, “I often feel embarrassed when I am suddenly filmed with a camera or when I don’t want to be filmed.”
Lee is the next big thing in Korean soccer.
He gained fame as a “soccer prodigy” after appearing on the 2007 entertainment program “Fly Away Shoot Doll,” and in July 2011, at the age of 10, he joined the youth team of Spanish Primera Liga side Valencia.
He made his first-team debut in the Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) in October 2018 at the age of 17 years and 327 days, and also made his La Liga debut against Valladolid on January 12, 2019.
At the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Lee led South Korea to a runner-up finish with two goals and four assists, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
After moving to Mallorca in August 2021 to get more playing time, Lee earned a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he helped his country reach the round of 16, and this summer he moved to PSG, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
At PSG, Lee’s rise to prominence alongside world-class players such as Neymar (Brazil) and Kylian Mbappe (France) attracted the attention of fans.
Before the season even started, many fans traveled to France and visited PSG stores. Some stores even sold out of Lee’s jersey.
However, with all the attention, his personal life was often invaded, and he felt overwhelmed.
During the PSG transfer process, Lee was also somewhat sensitive, avoiding the media.
Now that he has joined PSG, Lee is expected to play in the team’s preseason. PSG will play a friendly against promoted Ligue 1 side Le Havre on April 21 before embarking on a tour of East Asia.
In Japan, PSG will face Al-Nasr (Saudi Arabia) on the 25th and Cerezo Osaka on the 28th, before continuing with a friendly against Inter Milan (Italy) on the 1st of next month.
After Japan, 한국야동 the team will travel to South Korea to face Jeonbuk Hyundai in the K League 1 on March 3.