Fan shouts 'nihao' at Son Heung-min after MLS match, sparking racism backlash

A video showing a spectator hurling a racist remark at South Korea captain Son Heung-min at a Major League Soccer stadium in the United States has gone viral, stirring controversy.

The New York Post reported Tuesday (Korean Standard Time) that a Los Angeles FC fan was caught on camera shouting a racist slur at Son after an MLS match.

The incident took place Monday after a 2026 MLS Round 32 match between LAFC and the LA Galaxy at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

In the video circulated on social media, a spectator wearing an LAFC jersey repeatedly shouted "nihao" — a Chinese greeting meaning "hello" — at Son, who was on the pitch. Son turned to look at the man calling out to him.

The X user who posted the video said the man openly shouted "nihao, nihao" at Son, whose nickname is Sonny, as he was making a lap around the stadium to thank fans after the match.

The user added that after speaking with security, they were told little could be done because the man had already left the stands.

As the video spread, criticism of the spectator mounted on social media. One fan said the man was a season-ticket holder who always wore a large hat, while another said his season membership should be revoked if that were the case.

The New York Post, which covered the incident, described the behavior as "insensitive and racist."