Son Heung-min’s finger injury garners attention following fight with Lee Kang-in

Footballer Son Heung-min. Photo from Son's Instagram

Reports from South Korean media highlighted Son’s attendance at the Monday event for the brand, where he served as a brand ambassador. Observers noted he wore a silver accessory, presumed to protect his finger.

This follows an alleged altercation, which has drawn considerable attention, involving Son and Lee, a Paris Saint-Germain midfielder and a fellow member of the South Korea national football team.

As reported by The Sun, the conflict arose before South Korea’s Asian Cup semifinal match against Jordan when Lee and some younger teammates quickly finished their dinner to play table tennis. This move irritated Son and several older team members who value pre-match dinners as critical team-building moments.

The disagreement allegedly led to a physical dispute, leaving Son with a finger injury.

Following the incident, Lee issued a public apology, but his lawyers refuted claims of physical violence against Son.

The fallout from the alleged dispute has adversely affected Lee’s public image and his endorsements, as South Korean brands associated with Lee have faced calls from the public to end their partnerships with him.

Arachi, a chicken chain, has experienced significant social media backlash, with calls to remove Lee’s images from its Instagram.

Major South Korean mobile carrier KT Corp. also pulled its advertising campaign featuring Lee ahead of the contract’s planned conclusion.

Lee has reportedly personally apologized to Son.