Actor Park Seo-jun. [Yonhap]
Actor Park Seo-jun. [Yonhap]

Actor Park Seo-jun offered quiet comfort and support to his close friend Son Heung-min, captain of the South Korean national football team, after Son posted a public apology following the team's elimination from the round of 32 at the 2026 North America World Cup.

On Tuesday, Son took to social media to publish a lengthy message. "I don't know where to begin," he wrote. "I can't pretend this didn't happen, and I don't want to run from reality."

"First and foremost, I want to sincerely apologize to the people of South Korea and to all the fans who love football," Son said in the post. He added toward the end: "I earnestly ask that, rather than directing too much criticism and pain at the players, you find it in your hearts — as hard as that may be — to send them warm support and encouragement."

Park liked the post, offering his support in a simple but visible gesture.

The two have long been close friends. Park has previously traveled to London to watch Son play in person, a public display of their bond.

Park was not alone — Kim Hee-chul of Super Junior, Lee Min-woo of Shinhwa, and numerous other celebrities also liked the post to show their support for the national team.

Meanwhile, South Korea finished Group A of the 2026 North America World Cup with one win and two losses for three points. The team failed to place in the top eight among the 12 third-place finishers competing for wild-card spots and was eliminated from the round of 32.

In the aftermath, head coach Hong Myung-bo and football association leadership — at the center of controversy over an opaque coaching appointment process and tactical decisions — have faced widespread public anger, plunging Korean football into turmoil.


min3654@heraldcorp.com