Wearing a Uniform and Making a 'Hand Heart' on the Street... The 'Son Heung-min' Who Appeared in London Turns Out to Be

'Sohn Heung-min Lookalike' Spotted in London
"Are You Pretending to Be Sohn Heung-min?" Criticism Follows
Man Clarifies "I Am Not Sohn Heung-min"

A man famous as a "Son Heung-min lookalike" was recently photographed in London, England, striking Son Heung-min's signature pose, the "Chalkak Ceremony."
[Photo by Online Community]

Recently in London, England, suspicions have been spreading that a man resembling Son Heung-min has been impersonating him.

On the 21st, a post titled "Fake Son Heung-min Controversy in London" was uploaded on an online community. The author, Mr. A, said, "(A man) pretends to be Son Heung-min and takes photos with Londoners," attaching a video. The video features a man who looks very similar to Son Heung-min. Wearing Son Heung-min's team uniform, this man has monolid eyes, a refreshing smile, and a hairstyle that reveals his forehead, all closely resembling Son Heung-min. The man even posed with Son Heung-min's signature 'click celebration' and took photos with people. Those who took pictures with him seemed moved, apparently believing he was the real Son Heung-min.

As the video spread, netizens harshly criticized the impersonator, saying he mocked and deceived Son Heung-min's fans. Comments included, "Playing pranks with someone's admiration," "What about the people who took photos thinking he was Son Heung-min?" "How devastated and upset will they feel later?" and "Why is he wandering around wearing Son Heung-min's uniform like that?"

Criticism intensified when it was revealed that the man posted photos of himself taking pictures with citizens on his social media (SNS) along with the caption "They didn't recognize me lol." Netizens responded, "He deliberately didn't reveal the truth," "This is clear impersonation," "Why didn't he clarify that he is not Son Heung-min?" "Son Heung-min's side should sue," "Who knows what he might do while impersonating," and "Isn't this fraud at that level?" expressing their anger.

As the controversy grew, the man resembling Son Heung-min posted an explanation on his SNS. He began, "I am currently being misunderstood a lot due to a video posted on another account recently." He continued, "I am visiting London to shoot YouTube content. The content currently being filmed is an homage to a video of referee Jeong Dong-sik (who resembles footballer Kim Min-jae) from the Korea Football Association, which was previously done on the 'Shoot for Love' channel." He added, "The content is about how local people in the UK react when I walk around London," and explained, "I told local people who wanted to take photos with me dozens of times that I am not Son Heung-min." He concluded by apologizing, "I am sorry once again for any actions that may have caused misunderstandings."

The appearance of a man resembling Son Heung-min captured last year at Jeju Dongmun Market. [Photo source=Online community archive]

Meanwhile, the man has appeared on the comedy show 'SNL Korea' as a 'Son Heung-min lookalike.' He gained attention by appearing alongside Son Heung-min, Richarlison, and Jamie Donley. Last year, a photo taken at Dongmun Market in Jeju Island went viral, sparking explosive reactions as the 'Jeju Island Son Heung-min.' The man, wearing a Tottenham uniform, greeted customers with a bright smile and even performed Son Heung-min's goal celebration. Netizens commented, "Son Heung-min has appeared in Jeju Island," "He looks more like him than his own older brother," and "If you don't say anything, you'd really think he's Son Heung-min."