Son Heung-min owes Birmingham City star Paik Seung-ho apology following regretful moment on South Korea duty

Birmingham midfielder Paik Seung-ho has earned a heartfelt apology from Tottenham superstar Son Heung-min on international duty with South Korea.

Paik flew over to Asia on his 28th birthday with Son on the same flight but the Spurs man completely forgot to recognise the special date in the calendar. When the pair got to South Korea, Son realised his mistake and offered up a big apology.

In a viral video shared by Blues, Paik is hugged warmly by Son and then receives a birthday cake from one of the hotel chefs. The entire squad cheered as Paik accepted his gift.

One of Birmingham’s star players this season and undoubtedly a fan favourite, Paik has made 20 senior appearances for South Korea to date. The central midfielder was the subject of intense transfer interest from Championship clubs Leeds United, Sheffield United and Norwich City in the summer but he decided to stay with Blues.

Paik took a big risk by remaining at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park as many national teams don’t recognise League One as a reputable enough division to earn a call-up. South Korea don’t mind, though, as manager Hong Myung-bo sees Paik as an important member of the national team regardless of the league he plays in.

In hindsight, signing a new long-term contract was probably the best decision Paik could have possibly made as he’s a guaranteed starter with Blues. His partnership with Tomoki Iwata in a midfield double pivot is likely to carry over to the Championship following promotion, too.