The Korean national soccer team led by interim coach Hwang Seon-hong

Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and fans gathered at the airport to hold each other's hands and start an away trip to Thailand

The Korean national soccer team, led by interim coach Hwang Seon-hong, tied with Thailand, ranked 101st in FIFA, at the third Group C match of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 North-Central America World Cup, which took place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on Sunday. South Korea, which has two wins and one draw, maintained its lead in the group.

Korea failed to keep Son's opening goal of the 42nd minute and allowed an equalizer through the 16th minute of the second half. Korea pushed Thailand throughout the game, but the winning goal that was expected was not scored.

Now, Korea will play a return match in Bangkok, Thailand, at 9:30 p.m. on the 26th. The national soccer team will depart for Thailand through Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 22nd. Hundreds of soccer fans flocked to the airport to see how they knew. They waited at the airport hours before the national team arrived. Concerned about safety accidents, the airport police set up safety lines to prepare for any contingency.

Around 4 p.m., a bus carrying the national team's players arrived at the airport. Fans shouted as if an idol appeared. Ordinary fans joined the parade to hear the news, "Son Heung-min is coming!" Hundreds of people flocked to the airport, resembling a soccer field.

Coach Hwang Seon-hong first appeared. As the best striker in the 1990s, Hwang was also hugely popular. Many fans asked for his autograph. Hwang couldn't refuse the request and kindly signed the autograph.

Following this, national team players, including Cho Kyu-sung, Joo Min-kyu, Lee Jae-sung and Hwang In-beom, entered the airport at once. There was a huge roar. When Lee Kang-in, wearing a baseball cap, appeared, a high decibel shouted as loud as the concert hall.

Lee Kang-in was really kind to his fans. Lee Kang-in, who recognized a big fan wearing his uniform, received gifts prepared by his fans. As the national team players moved as a group, Lee Kang-in wanted to sign autographs and take pictures for his fans alone, but it was not easy. Lee Kang-in looked sorry and received all the gifts prepared by his fans.

Finally, captain Son Heung-min appeared. Even male fans at the scene joined the ranks of the fans shouting. Son's sweetness exceeded the limits. He smiled as he made eye contact with fans one by one. Although he failed to sign autographs due to tight flight schedules, he grabbed fans' hands one by one, displaying star-like appearance.

Fans gathered all at once to see Son. Concerned about safety accidents, Son even calmed down and cared for his fans.

That's all for their warm farewells. Now the Korean team is heading to Thailand, the site of the showdown. As the team failed to win 1-1, it has to play an even more difficult away game. Twice as hard as it has to face off Thailand, which has low morale, in Bangkok.

However, the mood of the national team is very bright. Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, who received gifts prepared by fans, will recharge their energy and take the lead in defeating Thailand once again.

BY: 토토