Scout Report Kim Myung-jun: K League's next European Export
Pohang Steelers' 18-year-old Kim Myung-jun to join up with Oh Hyun-gyu at K.R.C Genk.
Name: Kim Myung-jun
D.O.B.: 21/03/2006
Position: CF
Preferred Foot: Right
Height: 181 cm
Professional Career Minutes: 222
Role Model: Harry Kane
South Korea’s captain and number nine at the U17 World Cup in 2023, and scorer of their only goals, is set to follow in the footsteps of former Pohang youth player Hwang Hee-chan and move to Europe as first reported by Korean Journalist Seol Ho-jeong. After just over 200 minutes of professional football the reported move comes as little surprise given Kim’s potential and record at youth level.
Technical
Kim’s ball striking and off the ball movement makes him standout as one of Korea’s brightest prospects. His two goals at the U17 World display these characteristics with his follow-up rebound finish against the U.S.A. and his behind the defender run, one touch and finish against Burkina Faso.
Tactical
A number nine at heart, his appearances as sub for Pohang Steelers including his pro debut against Shandong Taishan have seen him drift in from the right.
He has average height but with good link up play and a solid long-range shot it seems quite possible we see Kim tried out across the frontline as a number 10 or inverted winger from the left again. Figuring that part out will be one of the challenges he faces as he embarks on his European adventure as his fledgling career gets going.
Improvements
His hold up play will be something he will have to work on with a few examples of slip-ups evident in his gameplay.
However, on both occasions here his recovery of the situation and positive play results in good situations for Pohang in their November game away to Gangwon FC.