How Son Heung-Min ‘Sonsation’ gripped South Korea
Son Heung-Min is a true South Korean icon.
The soccer superstar adorns billboards across the country, has bars named in his honor and attracts a dedicated fan base which follows him wherever he goes.
But the Tottenham Hotspur forward, who has plied his trade in the English Premier League since 2015, has one very special superfan.
Minji Seo lives in South Korea, thousands of miles away from her hero, but that doesn’t stop her from paying homage to the 27-year-old whenever she can.
“My life’s passion is Son Heung-Min,” Seo told CNN Sport, beaming at the opportunity to speak about her idol. “When I wake up, the first thing I think about is Son.”
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‘Makes me proud’
In October, Seo traveled over 5,000 miles to watch Son play in Tottenham’s UEFA Champions League group fixture against Red Star Belgrade.
To her sheer delight, Son scored two goals in his side’s 5-0 romp.
“Watching Son makes me proud as a Korean,” she added. “I spend 50% of my income to follow Son.”
Despite her own father saying she’s “crazy,” there is nothing that can get in the way of her adoration for the winger.
She even had the pleasure of meeting Son when he returned to South Korea for international duty.
“He said that it’s better than smoking or drinking,” she laughed, speaking about her father’s opinion of her obsession.
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A star is born
Born in Chuncheon, northeast of the capital Seoul, Son made his name first in Germany after moving to Europe as a teenager with Hamburg.
His success earned him a move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2013 where he caught the eye, persuading Tottenham to pay a reported $28 million for the forward. That fee has been more than repaid since, with Son helping the club reach the Champions League final in 2019.
His performance and achievements have established Son as one of the most exciting players in the Premier League, while earning him huge popularity both in Korea and much nearer his new home.
“I try to be humble. I think we are all same as humans. It doesn’t matter if I’m a football player, or an actor, or a singer,” he told CNN Sport.
“I just want to behave like a normal man, and I try to make our country proud.”
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Front page news
However, staying humble is easier said than done as ‘Sonsation’ sweeps across South Korea.
People are desperate to find any update on their favorite player and his name dominates social media feeds whenever he plays.
“When I write an interview after a really good game he’s had, it’s always on the front page of the newspaper and always sells out,” journalist Rachel Hur, who works for South Korean newspaper Sports Dong-A, told CNN Sport.
Son’s arrival at Tottenham has also had a huge influence on the fan base turning up in North London to watch the Premier League side play.
Go to any Spurs home game and you’ll see hundreds of South Koreans excitedly cheering on their national hero in the club’s new billion-dollar stadium.
“The people give me so many gifts, sweets, chocolate, the pillows, some lip balms, some sun creams. It’s just amazing,” Son added.
“I don’t feel the pressure because it’s enjoyable.”
Son will be in action once again on Tuesday as Spurs face Olympiakos in the Champions League, in what will also be Jose Mourinho’s first European game as Tottenham manager.
Watch the video at the top of the page to see how much of an impact Son has on the lives of South Koreans.
