Superstars are coming! TA: Son Heung-min joins Los Angeles FC to spark enthusiasm in the local Korean community

According to The Athletic, Son Heung-min's transfer to Los Angeles FC from Tottenham has sparked enthusiasm in the local Korean community.

Josh Lee, a Korean-American leader of TSG, a FC fan organization in Los Angeles, said in an interview with TA: "Our craziest dream comes true." Son Heung-min visited the local Korean-American community when he participated in the preseason in Los Angeles with Tottenham in 2018 and was warmly welcomed. Josh Lee recalled: "He is like a demigod descending to earth."

Just like Messi joining Miami, Sun Xing joined Los Angeles FC this time, not only to the American League, but also to a community with countless compatriots who love him. According to South Korean government data, as of 2023, more Koreans living in the United States have been around for any other country. According to data from the Pew Research Center, California has 530,000 Korean-American residents, ranking first among the states in the United States, while Los Angeles has 320,000 Korean-American residents, making it the largest Korean-American settlement in the United States. Son Heung-min's arrival will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the local area from a business and community level.

Josh Lee said: "I think this will trigger a new fan craze, especially Korean fans. When he runs, I can feel my heart flying with him, and all hopes and dreams run with him. It will make a big difference for people who can see themselves on the court and give their dreams."

20 years ago, Park Ji-sung became Josh Lee's football enlightenment. Growing up in New Jersey, he didn't have cable TV at that time. Just seeing Park Ji-sung's photos in the newspaper made him have a strong interest in Manchester United. Later, Son Heung-min did this at Tottenham. Although London's "Little Seoul" is located in the southwest of the city and is far from the Tottenham stadium in North London, the Korean star still attracts Korean tourists from all over the world to watch the game. Now, South Korea City in Los Angeles is only 15 minutes away from the home court of Los Angeles FC.