Appearing in the team's training uniform amid a flood of camera flashes, Beckham impressed the reporters by pulling a chair out for FC Seoul coach Senol Gunes, whose leg is injured, before seating himself.

David Beckham listens to reporters' questions at a press conference to promote a friendly match between his LA Galaxy and FC Seoul at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul on Wednesday. /Yonhap

Beckham was asked questions unusual for a soccer player. When asked what he thinks may be his charm that appeals to so many fans, he said shyly that he doesn't know. Then he gave a model answer that he was honored to be in Seoul not as an individual but as a member of LA Galaxy. When he was asked his secret behind his status as fashion leader, he insisted that it's his wife who has the "extraordinary sense" for fashion. His wife is Victoria Adams Beckham, a former member of the Spice Girls.

But the 33-year-old soccer star was more serious and focused when talking about his sport. He refused to enlighten the mystery behind his extraordinary talent for free kicks by saying, with a smile, "It's a secret." He added, "I don't really have any secret, it's actually the product of consistent practice. It's important to take what you practiced and how you did it to heart and show it in the field."

His team is scheduled to have a friendly match with FC Seoul at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Saturday. "Korea is passionate about soccer and I'm ready to enjoy the match," Beckham said. "I'd just like to do my best to make the match a memorable one for children who aspire to be soccer players."

(englishnews@chosun.com )