[Anchor]
LA FC's Son Heung-min participated in the Skills Challenge, a pre-all-star event held ahead of tomorrow's (July 30) All-Star Game. He went head-to-head in a passing duel with actor Ramirez, who is a former soccer player. Whether Son went easy on him or not, it turned out to be an unexpectedly close contest. Who ended up winning?
Reporter Ha Seong-ryong has the story.
[Reporter]
At the pre-event held at a baseball stadium in Charlotte,
[Son Heung-min]
Stepping out to loud cheers from fans, Son took part in the Passing Challenge, a one-on-one event where players must quickly put the ball into five targets within 60 seconds.
He faced off in the preliminary round against actor Ramirez, a former soccer player.
["Asia's top star" Son Heung-min is here. Who do you think feels more pressure?]
[Naturally, Son. He has to win. If he loses, that just doesn't make sense.]
An unexpectedly tight match unfolded.
As Son repeatedly missed the final target mission, Ramirez mounted a fierce chase.
[Unbelievable, this is crazy.]
Son secured a buzzer-beater victory with just one second remaining.
[It looks like Son made the match more fun on purpose.]
[Son Heung-min / LA FC (MLS All-Star) : It went in well at first, but the last course was tough. It was a really great event and I had a lot of fun.]
Although he lost to U.S. national team player Tim Ream in the semifinals, Son volunteered as a "ball boy" for the final round to help Ream win, celebrating together afterward.
Son also created lasting memories by participating in the Team Relay, a four-event challenge where he teamed up with German legend Thomas Müller and other stars.
[Son Heung-min / LA FC (MLS All-Star) : It was a truly special experience alongside amazing players. I want to fully enjoy this moment and also enjoy tomorrow's game (the All-Star Game).]
Son will take the field tomorrow for the main match against the LIGA MX All-Stars.
(Video Editing: Ha Seong-won, Design: Kang Yun-jung)
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