When Son Heung-Min joined Los Angeles FC from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window, expectations were high for what he could deliver on the pitch. It’s safe to say that in his short tenure he has exceeded them, netting 10 goals and providing three assists since playing his first match for the black and gold in August, leading the team to share the best record in the league alongside Inter Miami.
However, Son’s presence extends beyond just athletic performance. His arrival has provided representation for the largest Korean community in the United States, energizing local support. Since LAFC’s inception in 2018, the Tigers Supporters Group has fostered a passionate fan base.
“The first thing that changed is that all the Korean friends and family we were asking to come be part of supporting this club when it first started have finally started coming out,” shared Sam Ko, a member of the Tigers. “It’s great to see the support that shows up every four years during the World Cup is at BMO whenever Sonny’s in town. Koreans are a proud people, L.A. Koreans in particular, and having Sonny here makes us puff our chest out a little further.”
The impact of Son is evident as more Korean fans fill the stands, waving their national flag, alongside Daniel “Deech” Chung, who states:
“What’s even more beautiful is the ripple effect. I love seeing so many new Korean fans fill the stands; it’s beautiful. Even my dad, who never really cared about what I was doing with TSG, now acknowledges that LAFC is a team worth mentioning.”
As Los Angeles gears up for the World Cup in 2026, the club’s ambitions align with community empowerment, considering their prior connections with local cultures, such as signing Mexican player Carlos Vela at the club’s inception. Legendary stars, including Giorgio Chiellini and Gareth Bale, have worn the LAFC jersey, but none have ignited such fervor as Son has.
In line with this cultural celebration, LAFC will launch a unique partnership with HYBE for a fan celebration at BMO Stadium, showcasing aspects of Korean Culture through food, music, and local vendors as their playoff run begins.
“Sure, there is a growing appreciation for K-pop and Korean beauty products, food, etc., but to have this level of exposure on a national scale is incredible! I’m excited to see what comes from this, maybe a NEW JEANS halftime show?!” said Deech.
As the soccer world prepares for the upcoming World Cup, LAFC is at the forefront, exemplifying how sports can unite communities, as echoed by Ko:
“I hope that some of that energy can be brought to LAFC and stays even when Sonny decides to hang it up, because players will always come and go, but the community is forever.”
