Latest news with #Taegeukgi
Sinar Daily
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Son Heung-min: The boy from Chuncheon who conquered Europe
SHAH ALAM – For 15 long years, Son Heung-min pursued trophies across Europe's premier leagues, enduring heartbreaks, injuries and close calls. His journey finally came full circle on a dazzling night in Bilbao, Spain. Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean forward Son Heung-min is challenged by Manchester United's Ivorian forward #16 Amad Diallo during the UEFA Europa League final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at San Mames stadium in Bilbao on May 21, 2025. (Photo by CESAR MANSO / AFP) The South Korean superstar, wrapped in the Taegeukgi and roaring with joy, finally stood tall, not just as Tottenham Hotspur's captain, but as a champion. There is a quiet poetry in how football writes its stories. For Son Heung-min, the script was long and winding, stitched with near-glories and personal battles. But under the floodlights of San Mames Stadium, with a gold medal around his neck and a glittering UEFA Europa League trophy in his hands, Son finally rewrote his ending. Tottenham Hotspur edged past Manchester United 1-0 on Wednesday night to clinch their first major title in 17 years and their first European silverware since 1984. The night belonged to Welshman Brennan Johnson, who netted the only goal of the match in the 42nd minute, capitalising on a cross from Pape Sarr that deflected off Luke Shaw. It was a tense, dramatic affair where Spurs had to survive wave after wave of Manchester United attacks. Micky van de Ven made a goal-line clearance in the 68th minute that left hearts in mouths, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario pulled off a miraculous stop in the dying seconds to preserve the victory. Even as the match itself raged with tactical tension, all eyes were inevitably drawn to one man: Son Heung-min. After being sidelined with a foot injury for most of the Europa League knockout stages, including the quarterfinals and semifinals, Son was deemed physically ready ahead of the final by BBC Sport. Yet manager Ange Postecoglou made a strategic call to keep him on the bench. 'He is fit enough to make the squad, but not quite sharp enough to make the lineup,' Postecoglou said. That did not stop Son from making a profound impact. Substituted in for Richarlison in the 67th minute, he brought calm and leadership to a Spurs side desperate to hold on. When the final whistle blew, it was Son who had the honour of receiving the trophy from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin. Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean forward Son Heung-min raises the trophy as he celebrates with teammates winning the UEFA Europa League final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at San Mames stadium in Bilbao on May 21. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP) With the South Korean flag draped around his waist and tears brimming in his eyes, Son raised the trophy skyward, completing a personal quest that began in Germany with Hamburger SV in 2010 and continued through years of loyalty at Tottenham, whom he joined in 2015. Fans had long cried out for silverware to match Son's stellar stats and selfless service. He had come close before the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, the 2021 EFL Cup final, and a second-place Premier League finish in 2016-17—but trophies always seemed to elude him. Now, at 32, Son becomes the first South Korean captain to lift a major European trophy and only the fourth South Korean player to win the UEFA Cup or Europa League. He follows legends like Cha Bum-kun, who triumphed with Eintracht Frankfurt in 1980 and Bayer Leverkusen in 1988, and Kim Dong-jin and Lee Ho, who lifted the trophy with Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2008. For Spurs, the victory means more than a trophy; it secures them a place in the UEFA Champions League for the 2025-2026 season, an opportunity to return to Europe's grandest stage. For Son, this is not just about a medal. It is about validation, vindication and legacy. 'Legend' is a word tossed around too often in football, but when it comes to Son Heung-min, it finally fits just right. With a career marked by countless goals, assists and remarkable humility, he is far more than just a Tottenham legend. He has firmly secured his place among the greatest Asian footballers of all time, standing proudly alongside his mentor and senior, former South Korean captain and Manchester United icon Park Ji-sung—the most decorated Asian player with 19 trophies—Cha Bum-kun and Malaysia's very own 'Super Mokh,' the late Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Dahari. Mokhtar Dahari ranks as the fourth-highest scorer in international men's football history, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei and Lionel Messi with 89 goals in 142 appearances. Remarkably, he turned down an offer to join arguably one of the greatest clubs ever, Real Madrid, choosing instead to remain loyal to his beloved Selangor FC. While others may have accumulated more trophies, Son's exceptional talent, unwavering loyalty and his role as a cultural ambassador for Asian football place him in a league entirely his own. The boy from Chuncheon who dreamed big and played with heart now has his crowning moment. It was worth every step.
![[Ambrose Seo] A tale of two national flags](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F02%2F05%2Fnews-p.v1.20250205.0d0bbcc6572b4f1da14b622599f3387b_T1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[Ambrose Seo] A tale of two national flags](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fkoreaherald.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Korea Herald
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
[Ambrose Seo] A tale of two national flags
The Star-Spangled Banner, the flag of the United States, has become a frequent sight at far-right rallies in South Korea, flown alongside South Korea's Taegeukgi. These rallies support President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently under investigation for a self-coup attempt following his unconstitutional and illegal declaration of emergency martial law on Dec. 3. This move has not only triggered impeachment proceedings but also raised serious concerns about his alleged attempt to undermine democracy and establish authoritarian rule. The curious presence of American flags at these rallies raises questions. Why would those rallying behind a leader accused of attempting to dismantle democracy align themselves with the symbolism of the United States, a nation that professes to support democratic values? When outgoing US Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg was asked about it, his response was speculative. He suggested that it might be linked to older participants who experienced the Korean War and felt gratitude toward the US While diplomatically careful not to make definitive statements, Goldberg likely understands that the phenomenon is deeply rooted in the complex and often troubling history of US involvement in South Korea's politics. The display of American flags at these rallies reflects more than mere nostalgia for past alliances; it symbolizes a distortion of history. During the Cold War, US foreign policy in South Korea prioritized anti-communism over democratic values, supporting authoritarian leaders like Syngman Rhee, Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan. These leaders ruled with authoritarian measures, suppressing dissent, stifling democracy, restricting free speech, and violating human rights while enjoying US military and economic support. This historical relationship has left a complicated legacy. Far-right groups in South Korea have perpetuated the narrative that US support equates to an endorsement of authoritarianism. The presence of American flags at rallies supporting Yoon Suk Yeol underscores this misconception. It represents a plea for US backing despite Yoon's actions that threaten the very democratic principles the United States claims to uphold. This paradox points to a fundamental misunderstanding of the United States' role in South Korea's political history. While similar patterns of US support for authoritarian regimes have occurred globally -- in Chile, Indonesia and elsewhere -- the case of South Korea stands out. Unlike the far-right narrative that credits US support, democratic progress in South Korea was not achieved through US intervention but through the sacrifices of ordinary citizens. Movements such as the April 19 Revolution, the Bu-Ma Uprising, the May 18 Gwangju Uprising, and the June 1987 Democracy Movement are all vivid examples of the Korean people's determination to fight for freedom and justice. The United States, despite its close ties with South Korea, played little to no role in these movements. In some cases, such as the Gwangju Democratic Uprising, Washington's inaction in the face of state-sponsored violence and massacre has left a deep scar on the Korean psyche. The presence of American flags at rallies supporting Yoon's authoritarian aspirations sends a misleading and dangerous message. It conflates US geopolitical support with a perceived endorsement of undemocratic regimes. Ironically, these displays highlight the contradictions in US foreign policy, which has often prioritized strategic interests over democratic principles. The new Trump administration's unpredictable foreign policy adds further concerns. Trump's 'America First' approach prioritizes transactional relationships over shared values. Could Washington tacitly support leaders like Yoon if it aligns with short-term US interests? It is important to acknowledge, however, that not all Americans support such foreign policies. Many intellectuals, politicians and activists in the US have historically supported South Korea's democratic movements. As former US President Jimmy Carter once said, America is 'a beautiful mosaic' of diverse voices, reminding us that government actions do not always reflect the views of its people. As a physicist, I often find myself drawn to the concept of balance or equilibrium in nature. Since democracy relies on balance -- between power and accountability, freedom and responsibility -- the laws of physics offer a useful analogy. When balance is disturbed beyond a critical point, whether by internal vulnerability or external force, the system risks collapse. Yoon's December 3 declaration of emergency martial law is widely viewed as a deliberate attempt to destabilize this balance. Nevertheless, the resilience of South Korea's democracy and the will of its people have prevented its democratic system from collapsing. By not only resorting to antidemocratic actions but also wavering the American flag, far-right groups in South Korea seek to induce external intervention to disrupt the democratic balance and override the will of the people. South Korea's democracy -- now often referred to as 'K-democracy' -- is a globally recognized achievement born from the collective will of its citizens, not external powers. As President Yoon faces a legal and political reckoning, the world watches closely. The protection of South Korea's constitutional democracy is not just vital for the nation's future but also serves as a powerful reminder that democracy must be defended from within. The Star-Spangled Banner may wave in the streets of Seoul, but it cannot obscure the truth that South Korea's democratic destiny lies firmly in the hands of its people.
