Ki knows that his words and actions can affect the team atmosphere, but the 29-year-old really doesn't like pretending everything going is well.

"My past remarks were not intended to earn sympathy," Ki said after Korea Republic's first training at Spartak Stadium in Lomonosov, a suburb of Saint Petersburg. 

"As a national team player, I want to play a good game at the World Cup more than anyone else. I made those comments because I felt like we repeated the same mistakes over and over again."

Korea Republic had their first training in Russia on Wednesday, five days ahead of their Group F opener against Sweden. Korea Republic will face Mexico on June 23 and Germany on June 27.

Ki said staying healthy is important for his team at this juncture.

"I think we're about 90 percent ready," he said. "Honestly at this point, there isn't any more training left to do, and even if you do, it's not going to make a big difference."

Ki, who is the most experienced player in the squad with 102 caps, said the players are all set and determined to show their talent on the pitch.

"I told the players that we should enjoy the tournament and get rid of pressure," he said. "With this precious opportunity, I hope the players can display their character on the pitch."