Lee Dong-gook: Son Xian faced criticism for his character... Labeled as the son of a famous player" [Left Behind] [★Night TView]

*This content was translated by AI.

Former soccer player Lee Dong-gook revealed that his son, Xian, was criticized not only for committing a foul during a match but also for his character.

In the the 7th broadcast of the tvN STORY variety program "What to Do with Leftovers," Lee Dong-gook and Lee Jong-beom discussed the challenges faced by second-generation sports stars who chose the same sport as their parents.

On this day, Lee Dong-gook mentioned his sixth-grade son, Xian, who is active as a youth soccer player, stating, "At first, I opposed Xian becoming a soccer player."

He explained that even if a child reaches their position through their own efforts, they are always told things like, 'Your DNA is this,' or 'Who is your father?' He cited the burden that children of famous players must bear as one reason for his initial opposition.

In fact, evaluations directed at Xian were harsher than those given to typical youth players. Lee Dong-gook revealed, "If Xian misses a penalty kick, officials say, 'He's Lee Dong-gook's son; how can he miss that?'"

He continued, "Soccer is a sport involving physical contact, isn't it? When Xian commits a foul during a physical battle, people ask, 'Why is his character like this?' Some even say, 'Look at the character of Lee Dong-gook's son,' which deeply upset him."

Lee Jong-beom also empathized, noting that his son, Lee Jung-hoo, had endured similar scrutiny. He said, "People tell him, 'Your father is Lee Jong-beom, so even if you're not very good, you can still play in matches.' Children often hear stories we never heard, which can cause them significant stress."

He further told Lee Dong-gook, "Xian will likely hear more comments like, 'Are you really Lee Dong-gook's son? Let's see how well he does' when he enters middle and high school. Jung-hoo went through the same thing."

Aware of the special treatment others might perceive, Lee Jong-beom revealed that he deliberately avoided attending his son Lee Jung-hoo's matches. He explained, "When Jung-hoo was in sixth grade, I rarely went to watch his games. Other parents' glances were not favorable, and if I gave any advice, it could give the impression that Jung-hoo was receiving special benefits."

He added, "Since Jung-hoo entered middle school, I almost never go anymore; only my wife attends his games."

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*This content was translated by AI.