Yoon Calls Bento and Son Heung-min on 'Round of 16 Advancement'... "A Great Gift to the People"

"Impressive Dedication"
Bento: "Not an Easy Goal, Thanks to the Players"
Son Heung-min: "Devoted Myself for the Country"

President Yoon Suk-yeol congratulated the South Korean national soccer team, which advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2022 Qatar World Cup on the 3rd, saying, "Thank you for giving such a great gift to our people."
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] President Yoon Suk-yeol congratulated the South Korean national soccer team, which advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2022 Qatar World Cup on the 3rd, saying, "Thank you for giving such a great gift to our people."

Lee Jae-myung, deputy spokesperson of the presidential office, stated in a written briefing that President Yoon made separate phone calls in the afternoon to Paulo Bento, head coach of the South Korean national soccer team, and captain Son Heung-min.

President Yoon told Coach Bento, "It was truly moving to see our team giving their best until the very end," adding, "Watching the players' interviews, I could see the great respect they have for you, Coach Bento, and I think your leadership united the players and led to this excellent result."

In response, Coach Bento said, "It is truly an honor that the people of the Republic of Korea are proud of us, and I am grateful that the President reached out like this," adding, "We will continue to work hard to bring happiness and joy to the people of the Republic of Korea."

President Yoon said, "Soccer has a very powerful energy that unites the people. Last night, the entire nation came together to cheer, and people took to the streets until dawn to share their joy," adding, "I am truly thankful to Coach Bento for giving such a great gift to our people."

Coach Bento stated, "Our goal was not an easy one, but the players made it possible to reach the Round of 16," adding, "The players' passion for the national team and their strong desire to overcome themselves led to this great result."

President Yoon, during a phone call with player Son Heung-min, asked, "Is your face okay? I was anxious watching the game, worried that Son Heung-min might get hurt even more," inquiring about his current condition. Son Heung-min replied, "I am preparing well with the mindset of dedicating myself to the country."
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Then, during a call with player Son Heung-min, President Yoon asked, "Are you okay? Watching the game, I was anxious thinking you might get hurt more," inquiring about his current condition. Son replied, "I am preparing well with the thought of dedicating myself to the country."

President Yoon encouraged him, saying, "It seems our players are gaining more confidence day by day," and "I felt proud watching Son Heung-min lead his teammates and juniors well as captain." He also requested, "Please convey my gratitude to our players for giving great comfort, hope, and joy to our people during these difficult national times."

Son Heung-min responded, "I will definitely convey the President's thanks to the players," and added, "Our players are very determined for the next match. We will prepare well for the next game."

President Yoon expressed, "I am very proud of Son Heung-min and our national team, and I hope they play with confidence and freedom in the match against Brazil," to which Son replied, "We will give our all and prepare diligently for the country."

The presidential office stated that to allow the national team players, who had a fierce battle against Portugal, to get sufficient rest, they conducted phone calls with the national team during lunchtime the day after the match (local time in Qatar).