Son Heung-min of South Korea celebrates after scoring against Thailand during the teams’ Group C match in the second round of the Asian World Cup qualification tournament at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on March 26, 2024. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Mar. 28 (Korea Bizwire) – In a heartwarming moment caught on camera, South Korean soccer captain Son Heung-min rushed toward the “Inside Cam” of the Korea Football Association’s YouTube channel after scoring during Sunday’s World Cup qualifying match against Thailand in Bangkok.
With a beaming smile, Son exclaimed “Welcome back Jun-ho!” – a celebratory tribute to his teammate Son Jun-ho’s recent return from 10 months of detainment in China.
The footage, released on March 27, shows Son scoring South Korea’s second goal in the 64th minute off an assist from Lee Kang-in.
After joyfully embracing Lee, Son turned toward the stands but abruptly changed direction upon spotting the pitch-side camera. He marched straight up to the lens and jubilantly welcomed back the newly freed Son Jun-ho.
The 31-year-old midfielder for China’s Shandong Taishan had been arrested last May while trying to depart Shanghai’s Hongqiao Airport. He remained in criminal detention while under investigation by authorities in Liaoyang until his release and return to Incheon Airport last Saturday.
In this file photo from Nov. 22, 2022, Son Jun-ho of South Korea speaks at a press conference before a training session for the FIFA World Cup at Al Egla Training Site in Doha. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
For Son Heung-min, Kim Jin-su, and Lee Jae-sung, teammates were all born in 1992 and who have played alongside Son Jun-ho for years on the national squad – his homecoming was a deeply felt relief. They had anguished over his prolonged detainment under opaque circumstances in China.
“It’s such great news that Jun-ho has returned to Korea – news our fans had been desperately waiting for as fellow citizens,” Son Heung-min told reporters after the 1-1 draw with Thailand. Kim Jin-su admitted shedding “many tears” upon learning of Son Jun-ho’s safe return, adding “I want to see him in person as soon as possible.”
Days earlier at the pre-match press conference, Lee Jae-sung had voiced his pain over the “heartbreaking and difficult” detainment, expressing gratitude for the “happy news” while wishing his friend could soon “play the soccer he loves again.”
For Son Heung-min, Kim Jin-su, and Lee Jae-sung, teammates were all born in 1992 and who have played alongside Son Jun-ho for years on the national squad – his homecoming was a deeply felt relief. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
