The behavior of Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham), who forgot Baek Seung-ho's (28, Birmingham City) birthday, drew the attention of local media in the UK.
Birmingham Live, which covers news from Birmingham, UK, noted on the 19th (Korea time) that Baek Seung-ho was seen joining the national team, based on content released the previous day (18th) from the Korea Football Association's YouTube channel 'KFATV.'
The video captured scenes of the national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, gathering at a training facility on the 17th. Domestic players joined in the morning, and afternoon saw European players arriving.
European players included Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City), and Yang Min-hyeok (Queens Park Rangers).
Coincidentally, Baek Seung-ho celebrated his 28th birthday on the day of the gathering. The national team prepared a birthday cake for Baek Seung-ho, lit the candles, and sang a birthday song.
However, it seems that captain Son Heung-min was unaware. After seeing Baek Seung-ho, Son said, "Seung-ho, I forgot your birthday today," and awkwardly smiled while hugging him, saying, "I’m sorry, I flew in the same plane with you."
Birmingham Live interestingly noted, "Baek Seung-ho joined the Korean national team on his 28th birthday. He was welcomed with a hug from captain Son Heung-min, and Son acknowledged that he forgot Baek Seung-ho's birthday in front of the camera."
"Baek Seung-ho, a popular player in Birmingham, has made a prominent impact in competitions where the team is vying for two titles (League, EFL Trophy) this season, demonstrating dedication after the team's relegation and subsequently signing a new contract with the club," it praised Baek Seung-ho.
"Despite being in the 3rd division, Baek Seung-ho's performance has gained recognition on the international stage. South Korea will compete in World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Jordan during this month's A-match period," it added.
After transferring from Jeonbuk Hyundai to Birmingham in January 2024, Baek Seung-ho remained with the team, despite Birmingham being relegated to the 3rd division this season. He has emerged as a key player in the midfield, recording 1 goal and 2 assists in 32 league matches this season, along with 1 goal and 3 assists in 40 total matches.
[OSEN = reporter Kang Pil-joo]