![Comedian Lee Kyung-kyu. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse)]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/05/news-p.v1.20251105.3d144cb1242f411bb6101edcb9e0a13c_P1.jpg)
Broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu was denied a US visa ahead of the North and Central America World Cup, prompting the last-minute deployment of creator Song Ha-bin as a stand-in — who went on to secure an exclusive interview with Son Heung-min.
A video titled "I went to the US and played soccer with Son Heung-min's younger brother" was posted Wednesday on the YouTube channel "God Kyung-kyu." In the clip, Lee is seen at an airport saying, "I'm heading to the United States."
"I was originally supposed to go to the US myself, but the visa process is strict," Lee explained. "My visa hadn't come through, so I couldn't go in person."
He added that he had considered canceling the event altogether but felt he couldn't, given his role as the team's head cheerleader. "So I came up with a plan — I'd send someone in my place," he said, introducing Song Ha-bin.
Given just one hour to prepare, Song found himself on a flight to Los Angeles before he had time to process what was happening. "Am I really going to spend an hour talking with Son Heung-min?" he said, unable to hide his excitement.
After a series of unexpected twists, Song — a former soccer player himself — made it to the LAFC stadium, where he sat down for a one-on-one interview with Son, who recently moved from England to Major League Soccer in the United States.
Asked whether he had adjusted to life in the US, Son reflected with characteristic humility. "Whether it was Germany, England or now the US, the hardest question has always been about adapting," he said. "When I think about whether I truly understand the culture and am doing well, I still feel like I fall short — so I'd say I'm still adjusting."
When asked if he had ever wanted to quit soccer, Son was unequivocal. "Not once, not ever," he said. "I'm a very simple person — no matter how hard things get, the moment I see a ball, I forget everything. Even on my days off, I spend most of my time watching soccer."
The session went beyond the interview: Son personally corrected Song's shooting form and demonstrated his own technique, adding a warm coaching dimension to the meeting.
Meanwhile, South Korea's national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, opens its World Cup campaign against the Czech Republic on June 12 at 11 a.m. The team then faces Mexico on June 19 at 10 a.m. and South Africa on June 25 at 10 a.m. in the group stage.
min3654@heraldcorp.com
