Son Heung-min is currently leading South Korea as captain through the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, marking his fourth World Cup appearance. Off the pitch, the 33-year-old remains unmarried with no girlfriend, and he has stated he has no plans to change that until after retirement. His reasoning is deliberate, rooted in advice from his father.
Is Son Heung-min in a relationship or married?
He is not. As of June 2026, Son Heung-min has no confirmed romantic partner. In the past, his name was linked to several well-known figures, including K-pop star Jisoo from BLACKPINK and South Korean singers Bang Min-ah and Yoo So-young, but none of these connections were ever confirmed, and rumors about Jisoo from 2019 were widely debunked. Son has rarely discussed his personal life publicly, a conscious choice to avoid intense scrutiny in South Korea and abroad.
His father's philosophy on marriage
Son's stance is not just about privacy; it stems from a philosophy shared by his father years ago. Son has said, "My father says this, and I agree, as well. When you marry, the number one will be family, wife, and kids, and then football." For someone who has built his identity around being the best on the pitch, that trade-off does not work yet. He added, "I want to make sure that while I play at the top level, football can be number one. You don't know how long you can play at the top level. When you retire, or when you are 33 or 34, you can still have a long life with your family." He made those remarks when younger; now at 33, his focus remains on the game at this World Cup.
Who is Son Heung-min's family?
The most influential figure in Son's life is his father, Son Woong-jung, a former professional footballer who trained him from childhood, emphasizing technical fundamentals and discipline. His mother, Eun Ja Kil, has been a consistent but private presence. His older brother, Son Heung-yun, has worked as a coach at the Son Football Academy. During his years at Tottenham Hotspur in London, Son's family lived with him, providing a stable environment rare for elite footballers abroad. This closeness has been a source of strength, keeping him grounded despite the weight of expectation as South Korea's most recognizable athlete.
