South Korean President Will Host Son Heung-min Cs after Returning from Qatar 2022 World Cup

South Korea's national team at Qatar's 2022 World Cup. (Photo: Twitter/@theKFA)

JAKARTA - The President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, has scheduled a dinner with Son Heung-ming and friends, Thursday, December 8. This event is to mark their achievement in the 2022 World Cup.

The presidential office announced that on Wednesday, December 7, Yoon had invited the team to a gala dinner which was also an opportunity to give a boost.

"At the same time, I thank you on behalf of the Korean people for fighting without giving up", Lee Jae-myoung, deputy presidential spokesperson, said at a press conference Wednesday, quoted by the Korea JoongAng Daily.

Coach Paulo Bento and the Korean national team, including captain Son Heung Min, will return to Korea from Qatar on Wednesday, December 7, evening. Before the banquet, they will be welcomed in a ceremony at Incheon International Airport.

"The people will never forget the December gift from Qatar. Although the national team's World Cup journey is over, for now, hope continues", said Kim Eun-hye, senior presidential secretary for press affairs.

According to officials from the Korea Football Association, a lunch meeting with Yoon was initially discussed but later adjusted to dinner on Thursday. The schedule is adjusted to the conditions and schedules of the players.

Dinner plans were likely discussed last Saturday when Yoon spoke to Korea national team head coach Paulo Bento and captain Son Heung-min over the phone after the team dramatically beat Portugal 2-1.

In Tuesday's Facebook post, Yoon had also shown support for the Korean national team after losing 4-1 to Brazil. The result ended their trip to Qatar after successfully reaching the last 16 for the first time in 12 years.

"The 26 players including Captain Son Heung-min, Coach Bento, and the rest of the coaching staff have all worked hard", Yoon wrote, noting the athletes did their best despite various injuries.