CNN says American football star Hines Ward’s visit to the nation has provided an opportunity for South Koreans to regard multi-racial people in a new light.

The report added Wednesday that Ward had been warmly welcomed by South Koreans as a national hero.

Ward left for the United States Wednesday morning after concluding a ten-day trip in Korea with his mother.

In a news conference earlier on Tuesday, the football star said he will again visit the nation with his wife and son next month.