President Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday awarded Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min a Cheongryong Medal, Korea's highest sports honor, ahead of a friendly match against Brazil at World Cup Stadium in Seoul.

Former national football team captain Park Ji-sung was on hand to congratulate Son.

President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) poses for a photo with star footballers Son Heung-min (center) and Park Ji-sung, ahead of a friendly against Brazil in Seoul on Thursday.

The presidential office said Son "gave Koreans much to rejoice and be proud of at a time of difficulty due to the coronavirus pandemic."

Yoon then watched the friendly in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the 2002 World Cup together with former star players like Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors adviser Park Ji-sung, Gangwon FC CEO Lee Young-pyo and others who helped Korea advance to the semifinals at the time.