While taking a break in Korea, national soccer team captain Son Heung Min participated in a pick-up soccer match at Suji Sports Park in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on July 5. The event attracted a crowd of around 2,000 people, prompting the deployment of police and fire department personnel.

Son Heung Min, along with goalkeeper Kim Seung Gyu, played a pick-up match with a team composed of regular citizens starting around 8 PM at Suji Sports Park. This surprise appearance followed a similar event that occurred on June 27 at Achasan Futsal Field in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.

The situation escalated when news of Son Heung Min's appearance spread through a local online community. Crowds quickly gathered, filling the area around the park’s soccer field. Cheers erupted whenever Son Heung Min touched the ball or scored a penalty kick.

Chaos ensued as some members of the public rushed towards Son Heung Min, causing a breakdown in order. Several children ran onto the field, prompting others to follow. There were also alarming scenes of people climbing fences to get a better view of the star player.

As tensions rose and the atmosphere became more heated, Son Heung Min ended the match about 10 minutes earlier than planned and left the field around 10:10 PM. Both Son and Kim Seung Gyu faced difficulties moving through the crowd, which posed a potential safety hazard.

The police received 13 safety-related reports by 9:20 PM, citing concerns about the large crowd. In response, they informed the fire department and the city's disaster management office, deploying 29 officers from various units to the scene to maintain order.

The police estimated that approximately 2,000 people had gathered. A police official stated, "Fortunately, there were no significant incidents, and we ensured the safe return of all citizens."

Videos posted on X (formerly Twitter) showed chaotic scenes of people crowding around Son Heung Min, pushing and shoving. Screams from those stuck in the crowd could be heard. Police officers were repeatedly shouting, "Please do not push," as they helped Son Heung Min move.

One netizen who witnessed the scene remarked, "While I understand the desire to see Son Heung Min up close, the safety of the players must be ensured. Despite being told not to push during the game, people kept doing it. Adults ignored the staff's requests for order, and children ran onto the grass without understanding the situation. It's bizarre to see people complain about not getting a good look at Son Heung Min while surrounding him so aggressively that he couldn't move."

Other netizens expressed concerns and commented:

"If an accident occurs, people will blame the country."

"Why won't people just stay in line and watch the game? This is not even a fan meeting."

"People are going to complain that there were no safety measures when an accident occurs but people should just be civilized."

"Why won't people let him play soccer in peace."

"This is so uncivilized."

"I really don't understand these people. They had the privilege to watch him play, why did they have to ruin it for him by wanting to see him up close?"

"Please let him take a break."

"I get how people would feel but I wish they would be more considerate of the player."

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