Son Heung-Min will make his highly anticipated home debut for LAFC on August 31 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, when the team faces San Diego FC at 7:45 p.m. Excitement is building among Korean American and local soccer fans eager to see him in LAFC colors.
The Korea Daily will cover the game-day atmosphere live through our YouTube channel. Several Koreatown businesses are preparing special events. Restaurants including Brothers Galbi (Hyungje Galbi) and Chuncheon Dakgalbi Donghae Makguksu will host watch parties where fans can cheer together, with buy-one-get-one (BOGO) drink promotions such as beer and soju to amplify the celebratory mood.
In front of BMO Stadium, LAFC’s official supporters’ union, 3252, will host a large tailgate party starting at 10 a.m. on game day. Nine supporter groups under 3252—including Koreatown-based Tiger Supporters Group (TSG), Black Army, District 9 Ultras, Cuervos, and Empire Boys—will gather to chant and prepare for the match. A highlight will be the drum circle scheduled between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., where fans will sing and chant together. Supporters are expected to unveil new chants for Son Heung-Min during this event.
Josh Lee, communications director for TSG, said, “The drum circle is a festival-like time where anyone can join. This time, each supporters’ group has prepared chants for Son, including some in Korean, making it a special experience for Korean American fans.”
Korean American influencers are also joining the excitement. YouTubers ‘바람의 도시맨’, ‘Tdiary’, and ‘LA So Kyu’ are running LAFC jersey giveaways for their subscribers.
Ticket prices for Son’s first home game have surged. As of August 28, the average price was $406, with the lowest available seat at $152. By comparison, tickets for LA Galaxy’s Leagues Cup semifinal on August 27 were priced as low as $34, highlighting how much LAFC’s profile has risen since signing Son Heung-Min. The debut will be broadcast worldwide on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass and is also available on ESPN Radio (AM 710) and the ESPN app.
San Diego FC, though a new franchise this year, currently leads the MLS Western Conference with 16 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses (53 points). The teams last met in March, when San Diego FC won 3-2. LAFC now looks for redemption in front of its home crowd.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
