The meeting between Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) and Baek Seung-ho (28, Birmingham City) is a hot topic.
The British 'Birmingham Mail' reported on the 18th (Korea time) that "Son Heung-min showed a special reaction regarding Baek Seung-ho's birthday during the national team call-up."
Baek Seung-ho joined the South Korea national football team on the 18th. The previous day, the 17th, was also his 28th birthday.
The Birmingham Mail reported that "Birmingham City's key midfielder Baek Seung-ho displayed loyalty to the team even after relegation last season and signed a new contract. Despite playing in the English third division, he performed outstandingly and was selected for the national team."
South Korea is set to play matches against Oman and Jordan during this A-match window for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers. Baek Seung-ho was called up to the national team along with members who play in Europe, including Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), and Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City).
The media reported, "After arriving at the national team camp on the 18th, Baek Seung-ho had dinner with his teammates and began training in earnest. At this time, captain Son Heung-min warmly welcomed Baek Seung-ho with a hug."
Furthermore, it noted, "Son Heung-min appeared surprised and laughed while saying to the camera, 'I didn't know it was Baek Seung-ho's birthday.'" The report focused intensively on the meeting of the two.
The Birmingham Mail added, "The national team later prepared a surprise birthday cake for Baek Seung-ho. He expressed his gratitude while blowing out the candles, and the players all sang a birthday song together, creating a warm atmosphere. This moment was shared on the official channel of the Korea Football Association and became a hot topic among fans."
Meanwhile, the national team is scheduled to conduct its final official training at the Goyang Comprehensive Stadium at 6 p.m. on the 19th, ahead of the match against Oman on the 20th. Ahead of the training, head coach Hong Myung-bo and captain Son Heung-min plan to hold a press conference to share their determination for the Oman match.
[OSEN]