[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)