청 영빈관 Invites Athletes and Coaches
Gifts Signed Soccer Balls and Uniforms to Players
[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] President Yoon Seok-yeol hosted a welcome dinner at the Blue House State Guest House on the evening of the 8th, inviting the 2022 Qatar World Cup national soccer team.
The dinner was attended by 21 team members including captain Son Heung-min, coach Paulo Bento and his staff, as well as support personnel. From the presidential office, Kim Eun-hye, Chief of Public Relations, and Ahn Sang-hoon, Chief of Social Affairs, were present.
The presidential office explained, "This dinner was arranged to express deep gratitude to the national soccer team and related personnel who achieved the second round of 16 in an away game for the first time in 12 years since the 2010 South Africa World Cup."
President Yoon and his wife greeted the attendees at the reception hall on the second floor of the State Guest House, and Captain Son Heung-min personally placed the captain's armband he wore during the tournament on President Yoon in response.
The welcome dinner proceeded with the national anthem, viewing of key tournament videos, the president's welcome speech, remarks by Coach Bento and Captain Son, and gift presentations.
President Yoon said, "I was deeply moved by the players' unwavering spirit as they challenged themselves until the end," adding, "My heart was touched seeing many citizens stay up late at night or cheer together with the team despite the freezing cold." He also emphasized, "The spirit of believing in sweat and effort and challenging toward a single goal, and the spirit of never giving up until the end, became the power that united the national team and our people as one."
Coach Bento and Captain Son expressed their gratitude for the passionate support from the people. Representing the team, Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in presented President Yoon and his wife with a soccer ball and uniforms personally signed by the players.
After the dinner, First Lady Kim Geon-hee said, "As a result of sweating and working hard together toward one goal for four years, we were able to bear the precious fruit of reaching the round of 16," and added, "As a fan, I am grateful for the national team's response to the people's passionate support with a sense of responsibility as national representatives."
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