Spurs Star Son Heung-Min Bids Farewell in Seoul Amid Exit Rumors from Tottenham Hotspur
Son Heung-min's Departure from Tottenham Hotspur: A Loss for South Korean Fans and the Club
Son Heung-min, a national icon and beloved figure among South Korean football fans, is set to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, marking the end of a decade-long tenure that made the club particularly popular in his home country.
The news of Son's departure, announced on Saturday, was met with an emotional farewell during Tottenham's Asia preseason tour game in South Korea. His departure, marked by a standing ovation, underscores the deep connection he had with local fans and his strong influence on the club’s brand appeal in South Korea.
During the game, Son performed his trademark celebration and captained Spurs to Europa League glory last season. However, his ability to change games is starting to wane, as he scored only seven Premier League goals last season, the first time he failed to score ten league goals since his first season in north London.
With Son moving to Major League Soccer and LAFC in August 2025, Tottenham will lose a key ambassador for the South Korean market. This is likely to result in a decrease in the club's direct fan engagement, viewership, and merchandise sales in South Korea. While Tottenham may still maintain some fan interest due to their Premier League status, the immediate enthusiasm linked to Son as a South Korean icon will diminish until or unless new Korean talent emerges or Spurs actively cultivate their outreach in that region.
The game between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in Seoul was a sea of Tottenham shirts, with fans presenting James Maddison with a large painted portrait upon their arrival in Korea. Despite Newcastle's efforts, they could not match the pull of Spurs in South Korea, as their match in Suwon attracted just 27,000 fans.
The tours of South Korea by Tottenham Hotspur have been highly lucrative for the tours' sponsor, Coupang, as they used these tours to launch their streaming service and this year, their 'Sports Pass' add-on. The match between Tottenham and Newcastle ended in a 1-1 draw, with Brennan Johnson scoring the first goal for Tottenham and Newcastle equalizing shortly after Son Heung-min's missed opportunity.
As Son Heung-min prepares to embark on a new chapter in his career, his departure from Tottenham Hotspur will undoubtedly leave a significant void in the hearts of South Korean football fans and the club itself.
Son Heung-min's move to Major League Soccer and LAFC in 2025 is set to impact the European-leagues, as his departure from Tottenham Hotspur might lead to a decrease in the club's South Korean fanbase, viewership, and merchandise sales. Despite Newcastle United's efforts, Tottenham Hotspur remains more popular in South Korea, as demonstrated by their Asia preseason tour game in Seoul.
