Son Heung Min (32) could be on his way out of Tottenham, with Atlético Madrid reportedly interested in signing him.

Spain's 'Pichajes' reported on September 12 (Korean time) that "La Liga powerhouse Atlético Madrid has shown interest in Son Heung Min, whose future at Tottenham is uncertain." They added, "Atlético has already had informal talks with Son Heung Min’s representatives."

British outlet 'CaughtOffside' echoed this news, stating, "Son Heung Min’s contract with Tottenham expires next year, but there are no signs of a new deal. Atlético is keeping a close eye on the situation."

The reports suggest that Son Heung Min might join Atlético after his contract with Tottenham ends next summer. The outlet explained, "Son Heung Min could leave Tottenham as a free agent next summer," and "Atlético is watching his contract situation closely and has made him a top target for next year."

Son Heung Min’s current contract runs until June next year but includes a one-year extension option. It was expected that Tottenham would offer a new long-term deal given his status as the team’s top scorer and key player last season. However, there have been no updates about a re-signing so far.

If the one-year extension option is exercised, Son Heung Min could stay at Tottenham until 2026, but this requires agreement from both him and the club. With Tottenham's track record of being frugal under Daniel Levy, fans are concerned that the club might not offer a competitive deal.

Tottenham would need to offer more than Son Heung-min’s current £190,000-per-week salary (about 330 million KRW) to keep him. Despite his strong performances, offering a high salary to an aging player is a big decision for the club.

British outlet 'Sport Mole' recently suggested that Son Heung-min might leave Tottenham sooner than expected. They noted, "Son Heung Min will turn 33 next year. It’s unclear if Tottenham will offer a long-term deal. A 4-5 year contract seems unlikely."

Son Heung Min himself has voiced frustration over the lack of a re-signing proposal. After a World Cup qualifier match against China in June, he said, "I have nothing to say about the re-signing, and there has been no communication with the club." He added, "It’s uncomfortable, but I will continue to give my best for Tottenham." He emphasized, "It’s more important to focus on my performance rather than worry about contract issues."

With his contract situation unresolved, Saudi Arabian teams are reportedly showing renewed interest. 'Sport Mole' mentioned on September 8, "Al-Ittihad tried to sign Son Heung-min last winter but didn’t succeed.

However, Saudi teams are targeting him for next summer when he could be a free agent." In addition to Al-Ittihad, teams like Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal are also expected to pursue him.

Source [1]

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]