Lee Su Jin Apologizes After Family’s Early-Morning World Cup Cheering Draws Noise Complaints

Lee Su Jin, the wife of former football star Lee Dong Gook and a familiar figure to viewers of The Return of Superman, has apologized after videos of her family cheering during a World Cup match prompted criticism online.

The controversy began after Lee shared clips from the family’s home as they watched Argentina and Egypt play in a round of 16 match. The footage showed the children reacting with intense excitement, including shouting, jumping over a sofa, and running across the floor. Because the match was being watched at around 3 a.m., some viewers argued that the noise could have disturbed neighbors in the apartment building.

The reaction quickly turned the family moment into a public discussion about manners in shared housing. In South Korea, where many households live in apartments, late-night noise can become a sensitive issue even when it comes from children or celebratory occasions. The fact that the videos were posted publicly also drew attention to what viewers felt was a lack of restraint during quiet hours.

Lee Su Jin Takes Responsibility

On July 10, Lee Su Jin addressed the criticism through social media. Rather than dismissing the matter as a harmless family reaction, she framed it as a lapse in consideration and said the responsibility ultimately rested with her as a parent.

She explained that the family’s summer vacation had already been underway for nearly two weeks, creating more time together at home but also adding to the challenges of caring for five children while managing daily responsibilities. In that context, she said the early-morning football moment made her reflect on her own judgment.

According to the account she shared, the family became especially excited when Lionel Messi scored during the match. One of the children then ran around the home, which she acknowledged may have caused discomfort to nearby residents. Lee said the issue should not be treated simply as a child’s behavior, because a parent is responsible for guiding that behavior and considering the people around them.

A Public Apology From A Well-Known TV Family

Lee Su Jin offered a direct apology for not being more mindful during the late hour and said she would pay closer attention so that a similar incident would not happen again. Her response appeared to focus on accountability rather than arguing with critics, a choice that may help contain a controversy that could otherwise have grown beyond the original video.

The family is widely recognized because Lee Dong Gook and Lee Su Jin’s children appeared on KBS2’s The Return of Superman, a program built around celebrity fathers and family life. Lee Dong Gook, who married Lee Su Jin in 2005, is a former national team footballer, while Lee Su Jin is a former Miss Korea contestant. Together, they have five children: four daughters and one son.

That public familiarity is part of why the incident attracted attention. Viewers who watched the children grow up on television often respond strongly to updates about the family, whether the news is warm, ordinary, or controversial. At the same time, the affection that surrounds a popular variety-show family can shift quickly when audiences feel basic social expectations have been ignored.

Why The Reaction Grew

The story also reflects a broader tension in celebrity family content. Casual home videos can feel relatable, but they still invite public judgment when they are shared by people with large followings. What might have remained a small household mistake became a news item because it was visible, time-stamped by context, and tied to a family many viewers already know.

There is also a practical element behind the criticism. Apartment noise disputes are not abstract for many residents; footsteps, running, shouting, and furniture sounds can travel between floors, especially late at night. For that reason, even supporters of the family may understand why neighbors or viewers would expect extra caution at 3 a.m.

Lee Su Jin’s apology does not suggest that the family intended to disturb anyone. Instead, it acknowledges that intent is not the only issue in shared living spaces. Her statement placed the focus on consideration, parental responsibility, and preventing a repeat, which are likely to be the key points as the discussion settles.

For now, the incident is less about a single World Cup celebration than about how public families navigate ordinary home life under constant observation. The apology gives the family a chance to move forward, but it also serves as a reminder that even familiar entertainment figures can face scrutiny over everyday behavior when it affects others.