Why Son Heung-min Couldn't Help But Succeed

 

Captain Who Led the National Team in the Asian Cup

The 2024 Asian Cup was held in Qatar. South Korea, a football powerhouse in Asia, has enjoyed great success on the world’s biggest stage, the World Cup, reaching the semifinals (the best record for an Asian country) and making the most appearances (11) among Asian teams. However, South Korea has only won the Asian Cup twice—in 1956 and 1960—despite being considered one of the favorites. In 2024, South Korea once again aimed for the title with outstanding players like Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae. On February 3rd, in the match between South Korea and Australia, it seemed like the game would end in a 1-0 loss, but Son Heung-min earned a penalty kick (PK), securing a draw, and then scored a stunning free kick during extra time to propel South Korea into the semifinals. Countless praise-filled comments were left online for Son's performance that day. Unfortunately, South Korea was defeated by Jordan in the semifinals, ending their Asian Cup run. Let’s explore why South Korea's national team captain, Son Heung-min, has been so successful.

Source: Newsis

A Boy Who Truly Loved Football

Son Heung-min was in second grade when he told his father, Son Woong-jung, that he wanted to play football. His father had been a member of the national team during his playing days, so he knew just how tough football could be. He repeatedly asked his son if he really wanted to play, and Son Heung-min's answer remained the same each time. From that point on, Son Heung-min underwent intense and repetitive training under his father's guidance. There was even a humorous incident where a neighbor grandmother called the police after witnessing Son getting scolded by his father for not training properly. While most kids would have given up at that point, Son Heung-min’s love for football kept him going. He believed that enduring the tough training was necessary because of how much he loved the sport. He diligently faced the grueling training sessions, and even now, as a top player, he spends his free time immersed in football—whether playing football games or watching football videos. Growing up in a poor family living in a container home, without any special connections, yet rising to become not only South Korea's best player but also one of the top strikers in the English Premier League (EPL), shows why his success story is remarkable.

 

A Devoted Son Who Trusted His Father

Son Heung-min remembers his family’s difficult financial times when he was young. His father, who had to give up his football career before truly blooming, worked various manual labor jobs to support the family. Despite economic hardships and having to learn from a father who might have been seen as a "failed football player," Son Heung-min never lost trust in his father. He couldn’t give up football because he knew how hard his father worked while training him, and he understood his father’s love, even though his father was strict and demanding. His father's constant lectures about not allowing even a small amount of slackness were received and accepted by Son Heung-min. As a result, Son not only became a talented football player but also earned the respect of his teammates for his humility and dedication. In his book, Things I Thought About While Playing Football, Son often reflects on his father's role and his deep love for his family. Behind his success was a family who loved, trusted, and supported him wholeheartedly.

 

An Asian player who is considered South Korea’s best is now making history in the English Premier League. His mental strength and unwavering focus are perhaps the greatest reasons he has reached the pinnacle of his career.

 

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