The night air in Seoul was heavy with emotion, but not from grief or politics this time. Instead, it was joy — raw, unfiltered — as South Korea’s Son Heung-min finally held silverware aloft.
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday marked the club’s first major title in 17 years. It also gave Son, now 32, the first trophy of his senior career.
For many back home, it felt like much more than a football win.
“I almost burst into tears,” one fan wrote on Naver, South Korea’s largest news portal. Another called him a “national treasure”.
Son, draped in the red, white, and blue of South Korea’s flag — the Taegeukgi — stood proudly on the podium in Seville. It was a moment millions had waited years for.
“It made me feel like a legend,” Son told South Korean television. “The happiest man in the world.”
He thanked fans for staying up late to watch the game, despite the seven-hour time difference. And in a humble nod to his long wait for success, he added: “I’m sorry for taking so long.”
His words struck a chord with many in South Korea. They weren’t just about football.
This win came during one of the country’s most difficult periods in recent memory. President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached just weeks ago after declaring martial law — a move that plunged the nation into political crisis. Wildfires have ravaged parts of the country, claiming lives and destroying historic temples. People have been feeling worn down.
“In these times when everything feels frustrating — politics, the economy — Son Heung-min is a breath of fresh air,” read a widely shared comment.
Son’s journey has never been easy. Though he’s long been a star, both in Germany and England, a trophy had always eluded him. He’s also shouldered the pressure of being a global icon and a national hero, all while navigating personal challenges.
Most recently, he filed a criminal complaint in South Korea against a woman who claimed to be pregnant with his child and allegedly attempted to blackmail him. While Son has stayed mostly silent about the matter, fans praised his focus on the pitch.
“He didn’t let it affect him,” one supporter said.
And perhaps that’s what makes Son’s moment so powerful. It’s not just about scoring goals. It’s about resilience. It’s about carrying a nation’s hope through dark days — and then finally giving them something to cheer for.
“It was obviously a team effort,” said a fan on Naver. “But I’m so proud of him. He worked so hard for it.”
For now, Son Heung-min’s win is more than a sports headline. It’s a symbol of pride — and a rare reason to smile in a country searching for hope.
