Wherever Son Heung-min is, that place becomes the center.

Recently, the global football scene has been ablaze with the story of one player. From his feet, the heartbeat of Tottenham pulsed for a decade, and now, the final light of North London is confidently believed to become a new star across the Pacific in Los Angeles.

Son Heung-min, the face of the English Premier League and pride of South Korea, is not only a footballer of talent and class but also a cultural icon who embodies the emotions and sensibilities of our time. His ten years at Tottenham were a narrative of a man respected for both skill and character.

Leaving behind his success on the European stage, he has headed to LAFC (Los Angeles Football Club). This transfer is not merely a career move—it marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new legend. Fans bid him farewell with tears, and the media followed his final steps closely.

Son Heung-min, the epitome of humility and dedication, quietly said, “I didn’t want to cause harm to anyone.” He moves the ball, but he also moves hearts. His goals bring cheers; his attitude commands respect. Amid criticism and conflict, he always responded to us with a smile.

On the 7th, Tottenham without Son Heung-min collapsed 0–4 against Bayern Munich. More painful than the defeat was the void left by his leadership. But we know: wherever Son Heung-min is, that place becomes the center.

Now, he begins a new chapter at LAFC, leaving behind his European success. MLS (Major League Soccer) is no longer a league for players nearing retirement. It has become a new battleground chosen by global stars like Lionel Messi, Thomas Müller, and Luis Suárez. Within this trend, Son Heung-min seeks to once again prove the stature of Asian players.

Starting fresh at LAFC, Son declared his strong ambition: “I’ll start from zero and finish with a championship.” He showed his determination to reestablish himself as the core of the team.

Korean football is currently undergoing a generational shift. Young talents like Lee Kang-in, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Bae Jun-ho, Jung Woo-young, Hong Hyun-seok, and Yang Min-hyuk are rising. Yet at the center still stands Son Heung-min.

To the Korean diaspora and fans back home, Son remains a symbol of pride and a name of glory. Though he has left, the center has moved to wherever he is. We support him and believe: wherever Son Heung-min is, that place becomes the standard, the direction, and the center.

We imagine it now—perhaps his final World Cup, the upcoming North and Central America World Cup next year. And on that stage, wearing the bold Taeguk mark on his chest, leading the Korean team as captain, proudly representing Korean football alongside his younger teammates.

— By Kang Gyeongho (Contemporary & Conceptual Artist)

｜August 9, 2025

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