Latest news with #SouthKorea-born
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Song Ui-young gets Lions recall after year-long absence due to family matters
Song Ui-young is looking forward to linking up with the Lions again. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO SINGAPORE – It has been nearly a year since Song Ui-young last played for the Lions in the 7-0 home defeat by South Korea, his country of birth, on June 6, 2024. But the 31-year-old, who had been unavailable during the intervening international windows due to family matters, is now back in the Lions' fold. On May 29, the Lion City Sailors midfielder was named in a 23-man Singapore squad for a June 5 friendly against Maldives at Bishan Stadium and an Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka five days later. Fit-again Ikhsan Fandi and Taufik Suparno are among other key players recalled to the squad, while Shawal Anuar misses out because of a medical procedure scheduled during the international window. In a Football Association of Singapore statement, Song said he is looking forward to linking up with the Lions again, adding: 'I've had urgent family matters to attend to and I'm relieved that I've managed to get across that challenge – and grateful that I've been afforded space to be present for my family.' Dispelling rumours that his prolonged absence from the Lions squad was due to animosity between him and national coach Tsutomu Ogura, Song shared with The Straits Times that he had gone through a gamut of emotions in the past year. His mother had suffered a stroke at the end of 2023 and went through brain surgery in Incheon without him knowing. 'My family hid this from me as they didn't want me to worry too much and be distracted while I'm playing football abroad,' said Song, whose father died when he was a baby and has a sister who has three children. 'When I found out my mother wasn't healthy, I started to think about many things. I've been in Singapore for 12 years and I didn't really look after my family, especially my mother, and she was staying alone when she suffered the stroke. 'I felt bad that I didn't take care of her. So, I decided it's time to take care of my mum and spend more time with my family.' In 2021, Song Ui-young became the first South Korea-born player to be naturalised for the Lions. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Fortunately, she is out of danger now, although she needs to be on medication for the rest of her life to keep her condition under control. His family also flew to Singapore to watch the Asian Football Confederation Champions League Two (ACL2) final on May 18, when Emirati club Sharjah FC defeated the Sailors 2-1. He said: 'They witnessed the moments and they met many people here who have a connection with me and they heard all my stories and achievements, which is different from when she hears it from me. They are happy and proud of me, and this makes me happy. 'My mother has a strong character, and although she has always been supportive of me, it must not have been easy to send her only son overseas when I was just 18.' The highlight of playing in a continental final seemed like a full circle as Song left his family in Incheon for Singapore at a tender age to pursue a professional football career. He first joined the youth team of Home United, the predecessor of the privatised Sailors, scored 12 goals in 16 Prime League games, before he broke through to the senior side. With Home, he chalked up 184 games, 47 goals and 23 assists, before clocking 103 appearances, 44 goals and 11 assists for the Sailors across two spells. In between, he also had stints with Nongbua Pitchaya in Thailand and Persebaya Surabaya in Indonesia. In 2021, he became the first South Korea-born player to be naturalised for the Lions. Despite a regret of not being able to join Daegu FC in the K-League when there was an offer in 2022 while he was contracted to the Sailors, Song is happy with the career he has had. 'I never imagined this. When I came to Singapore at 18, it was all about survival and I was desperate to impress,' said Song, who has racked up 12 goals and five assists in 46 appearances for the Sailors this season. 'So, I really appreciate the career I have and want to continue to achieve more with my club and country.' Before he reports for Lions' training on June 3, there is a chance to notch a domestic double as the Sailors, who clinched the Singapore Premier League title on May 10, wrap up a year-long domestic season in the Singapore Cup final against BG Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium on May 31. Song said: 'After losing the ACL2 final, everyone at the club felt a big frustration. But now, because we already lost a final, we have a huge motivation to lift another trophy.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Otago Daily Times
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Golfer off to junior worlds
Golfer Ricky Kang, 17. PHOTO: PHILIP CHANDLER Selection for the New Zealand under-19 golf team for the Toyota Junior World Cup in Japan next month confirms Queenstowner Ricky Kang's steady rise up the ranks. The South Korea-born golfer, who turned 17 yesterday, is one of three boys chosen for the strong-looking team along with three girls. Ricky, whose sister, Sumin, 20, is on a four-year golf scholarship at Northern Arizona University, in the United States, has enjoyed some good results in recent months. He won the Southland strokeplay, was second in the Canterbury strokeplay and debuted for Otago. He was also part of the NZ squad who travelled across the Tasman to play the Aussie juniors. Ricky came close, too, to qualifying for this year's NZ Open at Arrowtown's Millbrook, where he's a member. "I was four-under playing a qualifier and I really needed to birdie the last [hole] and just missed out." At 910th in the world junior rankings, he's set some ambitious goals on his 'Ricky Kang's Supporters' Facebook page — he wants to win the US junior amateur champs before he turns 19, aims to play the PGA Tour and wants to represent NZ and medal at the Olympics. His coach of five years or so, Millbrook's Ben Gallie, applauds his goal-setting. "Those goals are really good just to keep you motivated on the lonely days out on the range. "He's getting better and better and he's starting to understand his own game, in particular, situational preparation." Everything's solid about his game, Gallie says, "and he's got good work ethic". Ricky, who was first taught by his dad, Moon, when he was five, came to Queenstown with his family in 2011. He used to play with Sumin, "and do bets really often". What he loves about the game is "it's challenging always". "Even in the good times you can always look for something better." Unlike his sister, Ricky's not looking to go the US college route, but instead wants to join the Korean Tour as a pro. His favourite NZ courses are Jack's Point, near where he lives, Invercargill's Otatara, Christchurch's Shirley and Waikato's Tieke Golf Estate, and his hero is Aussie Min Woo Lee. This week he has gone to Sydney for a month's prep ahead of the Toyota Junior World Cup in Nagoya from June 24-27. Meanwhile, his father is appealing for anyone who'd like to help sponsor his son, "because the training and tournament costs are quite a lot".
The Independent
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Kitri's spring and summer collection is its best yet – and it's selling out fast
Though fewer than 10 years old, Kitri has established a loyal fashion fan base thanks to its playful prints, fresh silhouettes and quality pieces at mid-range prices. Its clothing regularly goes viral – think that shearling trim patent leather trench, the gingham Lenora dress and feather-adorned party frocks. The brand is particularly beloved for its occasion wear, whether it's an embroidered linen dress for a destination wedding or a leopard print mini for a birthday do. Founded in 2017 by South Korea-born Haeni Kim, Kitri was born out of her frustration at not being able to find hero pieces at affordable prices. Designed as a direct-to-consumer brand, its fashion is made in small quantities, and new pieces drop on the site each month. Not only does this reduce the risk of wedding guests turning up in the same dress (the worst), but it limits waste while boosting hype around the brand - there's nothing like securing the last size in a trending item. Its spring and summer drops are a case in point. A bold long-sleeve zebra print dress and Grecian-inspired black knit halter neck maxi are already sold out with a waiting list, while a brown tie front blazer and and polka dot mini dress have started doing the rounds on Instagram. From a blue swing dress I wore to a wedding in Lisbon to the aforementioned brown blazer and a black halter neck dress, my wardrobe is propped up by plenty of Kitri items. I can attest to the quality and timeless appeal, particularly the summer dresses, which I dig out of storage each year without fail. So, whether you're packing for a spring city break, planning your outfits for a summer holiday or have a wedding in the calendar, I've rounded up my favourite pieces from Kitri's spring/summer 2025 collection. But you need to act fast, as sizes won't be in stock for long. Characterised by its pastel pink finish, fitted bodice, dropped waist and straight neckline, the Reece dress is crafted from a breathable cotton-linen blend. Boasting a structured shape that lends it to occasion wear (think a town hall wedding or an evening out on holiday), it's easy and breezy enough to dress down for the office and day-to-day. Zebra is fast becoming the cool-girl alternative to leopard print, and this jacket ticks all the right boxes for your spring wardrobe. Lightly padded with a tie-front fastening and patched pockets, it's crated from a 50/50 cotton-linen blend. But the star attraction is the reversible design. One side is a bold zebra print, and the other is a neutral ivory tone with flashes of zebra along the seams, giving you extra versatility when styling. The contemporary and fresh asymmetrical silhouette of the Tabara dress is given timeless detailing thanks to the all-over yellow rose jacquard print and figure-hugging body. Made from viscose yarn, the dress boasts a comfortable, stretchy fit and subtle sheen. Extra details include a wide ''90s-inspired neckline and fringe detailing that will swish as you walk. Wedding guest attire sorted. While polka dot never really fades from fashion, it's back in a big way this season, and you can into the trend with this satin top. Featuring a tie fastening, there are also buttons to marry fashion and function. Whether styled with denim in the daytime or a black mini skirt in the evening, it's a wardrobe staple. Crafted from a breathable linen blend with tencel for stretch and movement, this bandeau top is a hero summer piece. Inspired by corsets, it's structured and sculpted to enhance your figure. The simple style is elevated by the contrast white tie detailing down the side. Designed with a slightly longer length, pair with low-rise denim or skirts. A blazer with a difference, the Vivienne style boasts a versatile mocha brown finish and is fully lined with jet pockets. But the pièce de résistance is the wrap neckline and front ties. You can wear them undone for a fluid silhouette or fastened for a boxy, powerhouse look. Whether styled with the matching trousers (£145, or a white maxi skirt, it's a centrepiece item for your wardrobe.
