SINGAPORE — A video of South Korea's Son Heung-min praising the Singapore team in an interview after his country thrashed the Lions 7-0 on Thursday (June 6) has had netizens calling the football star "too nice". 

The post-game interview was shared on TikTok early on Friday morning by sports journalist Ash Hashim, who goes by "ashfutbolita" on TikTok.

The World Cup qualifier was played in front of more than 49,000 spectators at the National Stadium. 

When asked to comment on the standard of the Singapore team, Son said: "It was a tough game."

He noted that the Lions, which sit at 155th spot in the Fifa World Rankings, had improved "so much" over the last couple of years. South Korea are ranked 23rd. 

"We were more clinical, and we took the chance(s) really well," he added.

"(But) the expectation (is) sometimes too big", added the Tottenham Hotspur forward of the South Korean team.

"Football doesn't change day by day, you have to be patient. You have to sacrifice, spend time and you will definitely find a solution."

The video has garnered over 279,500 views and 232,000 likes as of Friday evening.

'TOO POLITE'

In his interview, Son also thanked the "amazing" Singapore fans, adding that "it was a joy to play here". 

He wished the Lions the best and said they have a "bright future" ahead.

Netizens, however, felt that Son's comments were "too nice".

One TikTok user wrote: "He's too nice, any Singaporean will tell you Singapore football is hopeless and has been hopeless for decades."

Another wrote: "It was a tough game. I love you Son. You're so humble."

"Really kind comments. A true gentleman. Tough game? You're too polite but thanks anyways," said another. 

'A DIFFERENT CLASS'

Son and Paris Saint-Germain star Lee Kang-in each scored twice against Singapore on Thursday, with Joo Min-kyu, Bae Jun-ho and substitute Hwang Hee-chan netting one apiece.  

Singapore's best chance at scoring was denied when a header from midfielder Hami Syahin was pushed away by goalie Jo Hyeon-woo. 

Three of South Korea's goals were scored within the space of three minutes. 

As the scoreline increased, Singapore fans begun trickling out of the stadium, CNA reported.

"I apologise to the Singapore fans," said the Lions' head coach Tsutomu Ogura. 

"(There were) so many people coming today to watch the game but we couldn't show our football."

Ogura added that the South Korean team had showed that they were of "a different class".