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Tottenham forward Son Heung-min has become a year younger overnight after a new law was passed in South Korea which changed the way the country categorises age. The country will now use “international age” rules when it comes to counting people’s ages, bringing their methods in line with the rest of the international community.
Previously, South Koreans had a different ageing system where the gestation period was taken into account when counting people’s ages. This meant that every baby that was born was considered to be a one-year-old when they were born.
To make matters even more confusing, South Koreans would then automatically add one year to their age every January 1st. This meant that babies that were born on December 31st, would become two-year-old after two days on earth in South Korea.
However, new legislation which came into effect last night means that the international age system will be used across the entire country for all formal activity. The reason being that the South Korean parliament want to put an end to the confusion and debate surrounding age in the country.
South Korea’s Minister of Government Legislation, Lee Wan-Kye, said at a news briefing this week that standardising ages in the country will “reduce various confusions and disputes” and “greatly reduce social costs that have been unnecessary due to the mixed-use of age standards.”
#thfc forward Heung-Min Son has become younger overnight after South Korea introduced new laws regarding age. The country now considers age from birth, rather than previous tradition which declared individuals a year old at birth. [Sky Sports]
— Hotspur Related (@HotspurRelated) June 29, 2023
Does Son Heung-min now have a new age?
Despite being South Korean, Song Heung-min’s age, as we know it, won’t be affected by this new legislation. The Tottenham forward’s official age is 30 due to the fact he was born in July 8th 1992 and that hasn’t shifted with the new law as that is considered his “international age.”
As per Premier League regulations, clubs have to register players with a verified date of birth so Son will continue next season as a 30-year-old player. As far as Son’s “Korean” age, he will become 18 months younger although it is unclear whether the winger abides by this method or not.
The same will apply to Wolves forward, Hwang Hee-Chan who is also a South Korean international. Hwang was born on January 26th 1996 meaning that his “Korean age” will decrease by 12 months in line with the new regulations while his “international age” will remain at 27.
Will this have an impact on Son Heung-min’s value?
On the face of it, the idea of Son Heung-min becoming younger overnight would typically add some more value to any potential transfer. The forward has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia summer but has reportedly turned down a move as he wants to continue playing in the Premier League while he still feels on top of his game.
Son had a disappointing season in 2022/23 and will be more determined than ever to reproduce his previous form under the guidance of new manager, Ange Postecoglou. Son was the golden boot winner in 2021/22 and at the *official* age of 30, he should still have plenty more gas in the tank to help Spurs return to the top four next season.
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