On June 21st, the AIA Tower in central Seoul was the stage for a match unlike any other. There were no goals, no referees, no roaring crowds. But for a group of children battling cancer, it was a day they will never forget — because Son Heung-min was there, not as a Premier League star, but as a mentor, a listener, and a friend.

The event, organized by AIA Life Insurance, was part of its ongoing “Dream Mentoring” initiative for children with cancer. It began with a touching video titled “My Dream,” created by the children themselves. As the final scene faded out, the room filled with applause, and Son Heung-min stepped forward to meet his youngest fans.

Rather than delivering a polished speech, Son spoke from the heart. He shared stories of his own childhood, the early doubts he had as a young boy dreaming of football, and the challenges he faced when he left Korea to pursue his dream in Europe.

“I was scared too,” he told the children gently. “But I kept dreaming, even when things got hard. And so can you.”

It was a moment of connection beyond fame or fandom. Son listened as each child shared their hopes, offering encouragement and quiet wisdom in return. Later, during a signing session and photo time, he laughed and posed with the kids, many of whom were dressed in hospital gowns, momentarily free from the weight of treatment and worry.

For the children and their families, it was a rare chance to feel seen, heard, and inspired. For Son, it was an opportunity to give back in the most personal way.

“I’m thankful to AIA for being part of my journey, not only as a footballer but as a person,” Son said. “Through our activities together, I’ve gained so much inspiration. I hope I can continue to be a positive influence in people’s lives.”

This year’s mentoring event marks the third consecutive collaboration between AIA, Son, and young cancer patients. From the 2023 “Wish Upon Son” campaign to last year’s Tottenham Hotspur fan art exhibition, AIA has made it a mission to connect hope with action. Since 2004, the company has donated over 1.5 billion KRW (approximately $1.1 million) through its “Sharing Dreams Fund” to support medical, emotional, and educational assistance for children with cancer.

Later that day, AIA also hosted its “Family Day” event at the same venue, inviting over 100 guests — including customers, telemarketers, master planners, and partner representatives. Son joined them to reflect on his decade-long partnership with AIA and his experiences representing Asia on the world stage.

“AIA has been more than a sponsor — it’s been a part of my life. I’m proud to share what we’ve built together,” Son said.

Jiye Hwang, Head of Marketing at AIA Life Insurance, echoed that sentiment:
“We’re proud of our long-standing global partnership with Tottenham Hotspur and Son Heung-min. But more than that, we’re grateful to be part of something that brings hope to children who need it most. We hope today’s experience brought them warmth and courage.”

For one day, the spotlight wasn’t on goals or trophies. It was on dreams — small ones, big ones, and the belief that even in the hardest of times, they are still worth chasing.