Joonho Wang, Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Samsung Seoul Hospital
Interview with YTN “Newsrider”.
The Korean soccer team flew home via Incheon International Airport on the 7th after advancing to the round of 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 12 years. Korea, which belongs to Group H of this World Cup group stage, recorded 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss (4 points) against Uruguay (0-0 draw), Ghana (2-3 loss) and Portugal (2-1 win), finishing second in the group, progressed through the group stage.
‘Captain’ Son Heung-min (30, Tottenham Hotspur) impressed the crowd with his ‘mask fighting spirit’ at this World Cup. Whether or not Son Heung-min participates in this World Cup has been a great concern of the people. On the 2nd of last month, he suffered a fracture around his left eye when he collided with an opponent during a UEFA Champions League (UCL) match for his club. Initially, Son Heung-min’s participation in the World Cup was uncertain, but Son Heung-min hurriedly got on the operating table to participate in the World Cup. Although he was not in normal condition, Son Heung-min put on the mask and did his best, such as directing himself.
How is Son Heung-min’s current condition? In YTN’s “News Rider” aired on the 8th, Professor Wang Jun-ho, an orthopedic surgeon at Samsung Seoul Hospital, who served as the national team doctor for this World Cup, appeared and commented on the extent of the disease Son Heung-min injury at that time.
▲ Son Heung-min of the Korea national football team, who advanced to the round of 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, greets fans after returning home through Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of 7 2022.12.7 Yonhap News
Professor Wang said, “It was already known to the media, but (Son Heung-min) had four fractures in his cheekbones, which are facial bones, so he underwent surgery to fix them in three.” and ophthalmology at Seoul hospital, and they said the surgery went well.
“The ophthalmology professor was concerned that there would be side effects such as double vision where objects are seen as two,” he said.
Son Heung-min even took off his mask and ran during the World Cup match. In response to the host’s question: “Did you have any pain while playing?” Especially when I was making the header, my heart sank but luckily it ended well with no issues so I’m so happy.”
Professor Wang also revealed an anecdote showing Son Heung-min’s strong will for the World Cup. He said, “Usually, after the surgery, I use strong drugs like narcotic painkillers for 2 to 4 weeks, but I couldn’t use them because of doping and drug tests.” he endured the pain.” Professor Wang said about Son Heung-min’s current physical condition, “It is fortunate that the surgery went well and there are no related ophthalmic consequences.” It is my wish that I would like to check once.”
Journalist Kim Minji
