# SHINee's Taemin Joins LAFC Kickoff Ceremony, Meets Son Heung-min

- URL: https://hallyu-brief.vercel.app/en/news/taemin-son-heung-min-lafc-kickoff-ceremony-7e7729
- Published: 2026-10-16T21:42:08.762Z
- Publisher: Hallyu Brief

> SHINee member Lee Taemin took part in a kickoff ceremony at a Los Angeles FC home game on October 14, and met captain Son Heung-min afterward.

## Key points

1. Taemin served as LAFC's 'Honorary Falconer' at BMO Stadium.
2. He released a live falcon onto the pitch before kickoff.
3. He met Son Heung-min, LAFC and South Korea national team captain.

## What happened at the LAFC match?

SHINee member Lee Taemin attended a Los Angeles FC home match in Major League Soccer at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on October 14, local time, as a special guest. According to his agency, Galaxy Corporation, he took part in the club's signature pre-match ritual.

## What is the falcon kickoff ceremony?

Taemin was named the 'Honorary Falconer' for the night. Just before kickoff, he released a live falcon onto the pitch, a tradition unique to LAFC that signals the start of the game. The falcon is the club's symbol.

## Who is Son Heung-min?

Son Heung-min is captain of LAFC and captain of the South Korean national football team. After the ceremony, Taemin met him, according to Yonhap News Agency.

## Taemin's recent schedule

The appearance came shortly after Taemin finished his world tour 'LiMiNaL' with Seoul concerts at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium on September 18 to 20.

## For international fans

For fans outside Korea, the crossover shows how K-pop artists are increasingly visible in global sports culture. Son Heung-min is one of the most recognized Korean athletes abroad, so the meeting drew attention from both soccer and K-pop audiences.

## FAQ

### Who is Taemin?

Taemin is a member of the K-pop group SHINee. He appeared as a special guest at an LAFC home match in Los Angeles in October 2026.

### What is the Honorary Falconer role at LAFC?

The Honorary Falconer releases a live falcon onto the pitch before kickoff. It is a pre-match ritual unique to Los Angeles FC.

### Did Taemin meet Son Heung-min?

Yes. According to Yonhap News Agency, Taemin met Son Heung-min, LAFC's captain, after the kickoff ceremony.

## Sources

- [Yonhap News](https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20261016072800005)

_Written and translated with AI from official announcements and Korean media reports. If something is wrong, please let us know._