The controversy started when coach Hong Myung-bo called Son Heung-min, the team's key player and captain, to the bench in the 11th minute of the second half of the second group match against Mexico. In an urgent situation where the team was down 0-1, the decision to remove the leading star who was supposed to put an end to the attack sparked immediate backlash from fans and some critics. Some expressed tactical regret that Son Heung-min should have been used to the end even if he was turned to the side, while others raised the level of criticism by pointing out that the timing of the replacement was too early. In response, coach Hong Myung-bo explained that his intention was to create a tie situation by making aggressive changes to score goals and injecting fresher resources, but this explanation was not enough to calm the angry public sentiment in the face of consequential defeat.

As this critical public opinion grew stronger, Ahn Jung-hwan expressed strong regret over the irresponsible criticism aimed at attracting so-called 'aggro' through broadcasting. He pointed out that simply criticizing Cho Kyu-sung's missed heading chance or the result of the game is a fragmented view that fails to read the context of soccer. The logic is that it is not fair criticism for those who would have praised the substitute player if he had succeeded in scoring, but disparaging the manager's decision just because the result was not good. Ahn Jung-hwan drew the line that he was not siding with Coach Hong because he also supports the national team, but he also expressed regret at the reality that players are hurt by such provocative comments.

The implications of Ahn Jung-hwan’s remarks are clear. Soccer is a complex sport in which 11 players move organically, and the manager uses substitution cards by comprehensively considering the flow of the game, players' stamina, and tactical intentions. He mentioned the situation in which Son Heung-min was isolated at the front line during the first game against the Czech Republic and had to play like a 'sacrificial lamb', showing that he understands more deeply than anyone else the physical burden and tactical difficulties that Son Heung-min experiences. It is his belief that blindly taking issue with Son Heung-min's replacement is an act that erases both the coach's agony and the players' hard work, and this will only result in lowering the national team's morale.

The national team's attention is now turning to the final match against South Africa, which will be held at 10 a.m. on the 25th. Currently, Korea has 1 win and 1 loss, and even if they draw against South Africa, they are in second place in the group and have a very high chance of advancing to the next round. Coach Hong Myung-bo also recognizes that this final game is a game in which victory is absolutely necessary and has predicted an all-out effort. Ahn Jung-hwan's warning is not simply an attempt to block criticism, but is interpreted as an earnest request to create an environment where players can escape external noise and focus only on winning in the remaining games.