Korean national football team captain Son Heung-min / Korea Times photo by Choi Joo-yeon

Korean national team and Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-min, 34, posted on social media on Tuesday, sharing a photo of himself smiling to directly address concern that he might have alopecia areata.

"It is not alopecia. Please do not worry," he said. "There is nothing to be stressed about, see you at the World Cup."

The speculation began the previous day during a Major League Soccer match against the Seattle Sounders. Television cameras showed what appeared to be a bald spot on the back of his head during the 15th-round home game.

The forward has yet to score in 13 league games this season, but has nine assists. This sparked debate about his scoring drought and led fans to wonder if he was under extreme stress, prompting his direct clarification.