Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
British Embassy welcomes Tottenham Hotspur to Korea
British Ambassador Colin Crooks, right, poses with Donna-Maria Cullen, executive director of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, after being gifted a name-engraved Tottenham Hotspur Football Club jersey at the ambassador's residence in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of British Embassy in Seoul
By Kim Hyun-bin
The British Embassy in Seoul welcomed the board of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club with a breakfast reception on Tuesday. The event was held at the residence of British Ambassador Colin Crooks, marking the start of the English football club's week-long pre-season tour of Korea.
“I am thrilled to welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Korea and to host the board of the club here at my residence today," Crooks said. "Football is a shared passion in both our countries. The presence of a world-class English team like Spurs here in Korea for the fourth time and the huge popularity of their captain Son Heung-min in both the U.K. and Korea are great examples of how cultural and sporting ties can bring British and Korean people closer together. This visit will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the U.K. and Korea, both on and off the pitch.”
The English Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur arrived in Korea, Sunday. This visit marks Tottenham's first return to Korea in two years since 2022.
Tottenham Hotspur's visit will feature two matches in the Coupang Play Series: against Team K League on Wednesday, and FC Bayern on Saturday. While this is Tottenham’s fourth visit to Korea, it is the first with Son, nicknamed Sonny among his overseas fans, as the club's captain.
The reception united Tottenham's board with senior figures from the British diplomatic and business sectors. Notable attendees included former Tottenham player Osvaldo Ardiles, who is now a club ambassador.
“This year’s visit takes on extra significance with it being the first time the club plays in Korea with Heung-min Son as its captain. The incredible reception he gets here underlines what a fantastic ambassador he is, for both our club and his country,” said Donna-Maria Cullen, executive director of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. “Throughout our time here, the club will be embracing Korean culture, supporting charitable initiatives and delivering coaching clinics for young players, as well as engaging with our ever-growing, passionate Korean fan base. Our visit will further showcase the power football has to bring people together from across the globe and all walks of life.”