
![[손흥민] Controversy Over Substitution and Exclusive McDonald's Merchandise Frenzy](https://imgnews.naver.net/image/413/2025/09/02/0000204405_002_20250902183014987.jpg)
k-entertain6/23/2026
[손흥민] Controversy Over Substitution and Exclusive McDonald's Merchandise Frenzy
South Korean football star Son Heung-min has recently been at the center of two major public discussions. Former national team player and broadcaster Ahn Jung-hwan publicly defended national team manager Hong Myung-bo regarding the criticism over replacing Son during the match against Mexico, where he was subbed out in the 56th minute. Simultaneously, a limited-edition 'Son Heung-min cup' from a McDonald's FIFA World Cup promotion has become a highly sought-after collectible. As the item was not released in South Korea, fans are purchasing them from overseas, causing resale prices to skyrocket to as much as 30 times their original value of 8,900 won.
