Son left London after playing in a season opener against Newcastle on Saturday. His schedule has been hectic this year. He played at the World Cup in Russia in June and had a short break in Korea before joining the International Champions Cup for the Spurs in the U.S. in July and the English Premier League curtain raiser just last week.

Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur arrived in Indonesia on Monday to join the Korean national team competing in the Asian Games there.

"I thought a lot about the Asian Games during the flight to Indonesia. Just as we beat Germany in the World Cup, [a surprise defeat] could happen to us. We should never be complacent," Son said upon his arrival in Indonesia.

When asked whether the tight schedule and long flights had tired him out, Son said, "I'm still young, so I don't mind long flights that much. If I said long journeys make me tired, it would only be an excuse."

Son is one of three wild card selections on the U-23 team, along with goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo of Daegu FC and striker Hwang Ui-jo of Gamba Osaka. "My role is to help the junior players reach their utmost potential on this big stage," said Son, adding that the goal is "a gold medal, of course."

The national team, led by head coach Kim Hak-bum, had its first training session in Indonesia after Son arrived.

Korea will face Bahrain in its first match in the group stage on Wednesday.