Ahn Jung-hwan‘s Son Trades Soccer Dreams for Trumpet Success at Carnegie Hall

Ahn Ri-hwan, son of South Korean soccer legend Ahn Jung-hwan, is making headlines for his musical talent, specifically his trumpet skills, which have led him to perform at Carnegie Hall. this comes as his sister pursues a career in sports management at New York University (NYU).

From Soccer field to Concert Hall

Initially, Ahn Jung-hwan was hesitant about his children following in his footsteps as a professional athlete. His wife, Lee Hye-won, revealed on MBC’s ‘Radio Star’ that Ahn actively discouraged their son from pursuing soccer. Lee Hye-won recounted, “My dad was a soccer player, so I thought about it because my son was. But I couldn’t see it. I found out that the car didn’t go out.”

Did You Know? Ahn Jung-hwan played a pivotal role in South Korea‘s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, scoring the golden goal against Italy in the round of 16.

Ahn himself acknowledged the potential hardships of a career in professional sports, stating that without the luck he experienced during the 2002 World Cup, life as an athlete could be exceedingly arduous. Instead, Ahn Ri-hwan found his passion in music, excelling to the point of joining his school orchestra and ultimately performing at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. Carnegie Hall hosts approximately 250 performances each season, showcasing a wide array of musical genres and talents [1].

A Daughter’s Path in Sports Management

While Ahn Jung-hwan steered his son away from the pitch, his daughter is carving her own path in the sports world. She chose to study sports management at NYU, a decision that surprised her father. Lee hye-won noted her daughter’s interest in becoming an agent, perhaps for a large sports agency.The sports management job market is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations [2].

Family Dynamics and future Aspirations

The Ahn family’s dynamic was recently showcased on lee Hye-won’s YouTube channel, where they shared their thoughts while watching the drama “I’m Deceived.” The family’s lighthearted banter and differing opinions provided a glimpse into their close-knit relationship.

Pro Tip: Encouraging children to explore diverse interests can lead to unexpected talents and fulfilling careers.

Ahn Jung-hwan’s Children: A Table of Their Paths

what other celebrity children have surprised you with their career choices? How notable is it for parents to support their children’s passions, even if they differ from their own?