Son Heung‑min opened the tunnel on 12 June 2026 by shaking hands with the Czech Republic side, then captained South Korea to a 2‑1 win that pushed the match’s minute‑by‑minute viewership to a peak of 14.5 %.

What happened in the tunnel?

KBS Sports captured the moment as Son first hugged his teammates, easing nerves with quick pats on the back. He then walked straight to the Czech players, who stood with tense faces, and extended his hand. The Czech side responded with bright smiles and a brief embrace. The clip, posted on KBS’s YouTube channel “Alls,” racked up 340,000 views within hours and topped 1.71 million by the next day, sparking lively debate among fans.

How did the match unfold?

The game began at 11 a.m. on 12 June and ended at 12:55 p.m. South Korea took the lead, held a narrow advantage, and ultimately secured a 2‑1 victory over the Czech Republic. KBS recorded an 11.4 % overall viewership rating, with the first half at 10.4 % and the second half climbing to 12.3 %. A total of 5.32 million viewers tuned in for at least one minute, making it the most‑watched broadcast of the day.

Why the gesture mattered for Son Heung‑min’s captaincy?

Fans praised the South Korean captain, calling his conduct the “dignity of a captain.” By greeting the opponents first, Son displayed sportsmanship that resonated with a nation hungry for World Cup success. The respectful handshake set a tone of mutual respect, reinforcing his leadership role beyond the pitch.

What’s next for South Korea?

After the win, South Korea’s group schedule lists a clash with Mexico on 19 June at 10 a.m., followed by a match against South Africa on 25 June at the same hour. The team will look to build on the momentum generated by Son’s pre‑match gesture and the strong TV response as they chase a deeper run in the tournament.

How did the broadcast perform?

The peak rating of 14.5 % at 12:55 p.m. made KBS the top‑rated channel for the entire day. The average rating across the whole broadcast, which started at 10 a.m., settled at 8.5 %. These numbers underline the public’s intense interest in the World Cup and the impact of Son’s high‑profile leadership.

The handshake video continues to circulate, reminding viewers that a simple act of respect can echo louder than any goal.