"More Famous Than Beyonce, Superstar, Superhero"… Captain Son Heung-min

Foreign Media Also Focuses on Son Heung-min Ahead of Brazil Match

On the morning of the 3rd, after the Group H third match between South Korea and Portugal at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Son Heung-min, who assisted Hwang Hee-chan's comeback winning goal, is greeting the fans. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] In the early hours of the 6th, as the South Korean national soccer team prepared for the Round of 16 match against Brazil in the World Cup, foreign media focused on captain Son Heung-min.

On the 5th (local time), the BBC highly praised Son Heung-min, saying, "Son Heung-min is respected like a superstar, an idol, and a superhero, and behind that, he carries the hopes of a nation." It added, "Everywhere you turned, there were fans wearing jerseys with Son Heung-min's name," reporting that when Son appeared on the screen during the group stage first match against Uruguay on the 24th of last month, the stadium was filled with cheers.

One fan said, "Son Heung-min is more famous than Beyonc?," and another told the BBC, "Thanks to Son Heung-min, I am proud to be Korean."

Particularly, attention was drawn to the dramatic story of Son Heung-min playing with a protective mask despite suffering a facial fracture. The BBC stated, "On the 1st of last month, during the UEFA Champions League (UCL) match against Marseille, he suffered a fracture around his left eye, causing many Koreans to worry about his possibility of participating in the World Cup," adding, "However, he recovered in time and joined the (Bento) team wearing a black protective mask, befitting the nickname 'superhero.'"

It then introduced Son Heung-min’s achievements wearing the Taegeuk mark. The BBC explained, "Son Heung-min has played in 107 A matches (matches between national teams) and scored 35 goals, among many other contributions," and "He has scored in two consecutive World Cups with a total of 3 goals, and no Korean player has scored more goals than Son Heung-min in the World Cup."

The media reported, "This is the third time South Korea has advanced to the World Cup finals," and "Although Brazil, the Round of 16 opponent, is a favorite to win, Korean soccer fans believe there is a chance as long as their national star Son Heung-min is there." It added, "Unlike Brazil, which has many superstars, it is clear who South Korea’s superstar is," and "Son Heung-min, aiming for the quarterfinals, once again carries the hopes of the nation on his shoulders."

Recently, Son Heung-min’s 'killer pass' showcased in the match against Portugal was also selected as the 'Best Assist.' On the 4th, U.S. Fox Sports praised Son Heung-min’s 'theater goal' assist to Hwang Hee-chan in the group stage third match against Portugal the previous day, saying, "Son Heung-min’s sneaky pass to Hwang Hee-chan was very impressive." It also noted, "It is especially important to consider what this pass meant for South Korea." Thanks to this winning goal, South Korea defeated Portugal 2-1 and, by surpassing Uruguay in goal difference, secured a ticket to the Round of 16 for the first time in 12 years.