Football star Son Heung-min has unexpectedly become the center of a heated etiquette debate online, following what many are calling a “no manners” moment during his farewell match in Korea.
The incident unfolded after the Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle match at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3. As rain fell, Son Heung-min was seen doing a post-match interview with a female reporter. In the viral image, Son Heung-min holds the mic with one hand and keeps the other behind his back, while the reporter holds an umbrella over him.
Next to him, fellow Spurs player Ben Davies is shown in a near-identical interview setup except he is holding the umbrella himself, allowing the female reporter to remain at ease.
This comparison quickly lit up Korean online communities. One popular post titled “You’ll be disillusioned as a Korean woman once you understand this photo” sparked a wave of divided reactions.
Some netizens expressed disappointment:
- Western players are taught manners from childhood.
- When he fought with the female referee, he stood in parade rest. Is this another example of that attitude?
- Shouldn’t the taller or stronger person hold the umbrella?
However, others came to Son Heung-min’s defense. A user later shared a rear-angle photo from the scene, showing Son Heung-min holding a mic in both hands, implying he couldn’t physically hold the umbrella.
This hasn’t stopped the criticism from snowballing into a gendered cultural debate. Is this about manners, gender roles, or just a misunderstood moment caught on camera?
Son Heung-min, known for his global fanbase and clean image, has yet to respond. Whether this will affect his reputation long-term remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—even the smallest gesture can go viral.
Sources: Nate