South Korea World Cup Squad
Player Profiles
Welcome to our World Cup Series on the Korean National Team aka. The Taegeuk Warriors. You can find tweets are the expected starting Xi and backups on the our twitter page Ross Davis @kleaguenglish
This article profiles the 3 likely goalkeepers that will go to the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Korea have a clear number 1 and 2, with the pair among the best on the continent. Their 3rd option is less obvious and they may even opt to take 4, which they have done in a number of recent internationals, apparently due to the benefits of practice with an even number.
Number 1 - Kim Seung-gyu
Club: Al-Shabab (Saudi Arabia)
Age: 32
Caps: 66
Undisputed number 1, Kim will be going to his 3rd world cup and will certainly add to his one appearance that he has from back in Korea's ill-fated 2014 campaign. Kim was quite unfortunate at the last world cup in Russia, given he had started 6 games during final qualification, but fell victim to the late change of coach. Having sat on the bench at the 2018 World Cup, Kim won the trust of latest coach Paolo Bento and played every minute of their subsequent, but equally disappointing 2019 Asian Cup campaign. While moving around at club level playing for 3 different clubs over the course of World Cup Qualification, Kim has become a key cog in Bento's 'play out from the back style' and it is this that gives him the biggest advantage from his main rival Jo Hyun-woo. Undoubtedly, the time spent with first Vissel Kobe and then Kashiwa Reysol in the J League helped develop Kim into a goalkeeper who is as good with his feet as he's with his hands.
In the final qualifying campaign Kim played in every game apart from their only loss in the final game; a 1-0 defeat to UAE. The 32-year-old kept 7 clean sheets in 9 games and although wasn't tested often did make an excellent double save in Iran to secure a rare point on the road in Tehran for Korea.
Kim Seung-gyu is a solid, dependable stopper and one that the Bento relies on to enforce his style of play so will be the keeper tasked with keeping Uruguay at bay in Korea's first game at this year's world cup.
Main Backup - Jo Hyun-woo
Club: Ulsan Hyundai (Kleague)
Age:31
Caps: 21
Everyone remembers that display at the 2018 World Cup against Germany that allowed Korea to restore a certain amount of national pride after their disappointing exit after just 2 games. No one doubts Jo's shot-stopping ability but his kicking is often the stick used to beat him. When comparing him with Kim Seung-gyu, he is a clear 2nd best in this regard. At club level he has been ever-present for Ulsan this season on the way to their first league title in 17 years.
His agility and reliability makes him an excellent backup, but without that passing range he won't be called upon this campaign.
Backup Backup - Song Bum-keun
Club: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (k League)
Age: 25
Caps: 1
Song has almost snuck into this position as Korea's third choice. For years, Gu Sung-yun found himself in that position, but his time serving his mandatory service with army side Gimcheon in the K League resulted in a period of non-playing time from August onwards. That time out has meant he has missed the last few call-ups, but remains in the frame. Kim Dong-jun, who looked to be in with a chance as well, has the most tragic of situations with minor injuries sustained in a car crash, in which teammate Yu Yeon-su required surgery, means he won't make it into the squad.
So to Song who sees himself as a future number one for Korea; internationally he was most notably part of the 2018 Asian Games gold medalists alongside Son Heung-min. He recently won his first full cap at East Asian Football Championship, although it is held outside the FIFA window and a tournament made up of 'B' internationals. These achievements will sit proudly alongside his four K League winners medals; winning his first in his debut season at the age of 20. Since that first season Song has matured into a strong candidate for a place in the Korea squad with the experienced gained at youth level and if he goes to Qatar more valuable in the longer-term than his competitors.
Song shows good command of his box and the reflexes you would expect of a starting keeper. He has had an excellent season with Jeonbuk despite their somewhat disappointing league performance, finishing as runners-up for the first time in 6 seasons. A few seasons back he seemed to have a concentration problem, frequently letting in the first shots he faced in games. That weakness seems to have been part of his development process that now sets him aside of one of the best keepers in the K League alongside Jo Hyun-woo.
This article profiles the fullbacks that will go to the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Not Korea's strongest position on the pitch but the right back and left back positions tend to operate in quite different roles in the Korean National team, which makes them one of the most interesting positions and also one with the most uncertain of starters.
Fullbacks
Left side - Strong Side!
Kim Jin-su
Club: Jeonbuk Hyundai (on loan)
Age: 30
Caps: 61
Kim represents the team's best fullback at present, in an area of the pitch many consider to be Korea's biggest weakness. Kim Jin-su was unfortunate to miss out on the last world cup with injury and there are been many scares this season with Kim massaging his left hamstring most games in what has been a hectic schedule. Fully fit now and poised to fulfill a key role in Bento's attacking set up.
Left-footed Kim has solid dribbling ability and an excellent cross with Korea attacking mostly down the left-side. This is also the side that Son Heung-min predominantly operates on and Kim's link up play with Korea's star man and the fact they are the same age (quite important in Korea compared to other countries) has been a pleasure to see during the Bento era.
During the final qualification campaign Kim started most games and contributing with an assist against Iraq and the opening goal in the away game at Syria. He is sure to start this World Cup with understudy Hong suffering from a lack of form, which can't be said of Kim who captained Jeonbuk most of the season and led them to glory in the domestic cup competition.
Hong Chul
Club: Daegu FC
Age: 32
Caps: 45
Aforementioned understudy at left back Hong Chul may find himself quite fortunate to be on the plane to Qatar after two mediocre seasons at club level. Perhaps helped by a lack of an obvious left-footed successor in this position. Dependable at national team level has been enough for Bento who hasn't been afraid to call upon him when needed; Hong started in Korea's toughest game of the campaign away to Iran and ran himself into the ground before coming off for Kim Jin-su.
Korea used three left backs at the 2018 World Cup with Hong the most successful in the famous 2-0 win over Germany. As with that world cup Hong will start on the bench but has been used late on in matches and could be one of the five subs to get minutes.
Hong presents a similar skillset to Kim Jin-su with his attacking nature and solid crossing plain to see. Defensively is hard to get by and very experienced but a real lack of club form the major concern if he is to be relied on if Kim gets an injury.
Right Backs
Kim Moon-hwan
Club: Jeonbuk Hyundai
Age: 27
Caps: 21
Right back represents Korea's most up for grabs position in the Xi. A position long filled by veteran Lee Yong, now deemed too much of a fitness liability to be involved, but arguably still the best option. Since returning from the MLS after an undoubtedbly useful, if not in the end disappointing, experience, Kim has been ever present for Jeonbuk and the move forced that one time rival (Lee Yong) for this spot to move to another club.
Kim is the team's youngest option at full back, though Yoon Jong-gyu, 24, could push for a place in the squad, but also fastest. That speed is his greatest weapon on the defensive and attacking side of the ball. His quick acceleration is used to get beyond opposing full backs and deliver cut backs into dangerous areas, whereas on the left Kim Jin-su would swing crosses in from deeper positions. Defensively Kim's pace allows him to recover his position and prevent counter attacks, which has been a weakness in recent friendlies like against Paraguay.
Kim Tae-hwan
Club: Ulsan Hyundai
Age: 33
Caps: 18
The oldest of fullback options, but the one with the least caps. Most of Kim Tae-hwan's appearances have come in friendlies but the recent decline of 57-capped man Lee Yong has meant Kim has finally managed to get some World Cup Qualification under his belt. The highlight of this campaign was probably his assist against Syria, fullback to fullback, a superb whipped cross to the back post.
Kim has had a successful few years at Ulsan winning the ACL and now the Kleague title. He's importance is mostly on the attacking side for Ulsan with his crosses into the box a main tactic for them. That attacking outlet is less important for Korea and his appearance at this world cup is once more related to Lee Yong's fitness and age concerns.
Expecting Kim to be the backup here with other options perhaps giving the team more tactical flexibility, like a Cho Yu-min can play right back and tuck in to make a three at the back if Korea concentrate attacks down their left which is what they do. Kim's aggression is what gets him the call up here with Bento liking that tenacity in his defenders but it feels as though Kim is going along for the trip rather than to take part with minutes unlikely.
Other worthy mentions:
Cho Yu-min
The Daejeon centre back can be flexibly placed around the defence and in defensive midfield as well. Right back would be an option as a more defensive option with the ability to tuck in to more central areas.
Yoon Jong-gyu
FC Seoul's style is the most progressive in the league and that means Yoon has been able to develop his game and force his way into Bento's plans. Not the most reliable option defensively but energetic and capable of influencing things further forward.
This article completes the defence that will go to the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The four-man defence of Korea, sometimes featuring all Kim's (see Twitter 'Football out of context'), only conceded 3 goals in the AFC final qualification group. Although, subsequent World Cup preparation friendlies have shown a certain weakness in this area; conceding five to Brazil may be almost forgivable but 2 against, both Costa Rica and Paraguay much less so. The Korean centre back options are pretty solidified with a clear starting pair.
Centre Backs
Kim Min-jae
Club: Napoli
Age: 26
Caps: 44
With Son Heung-min the star of the team there is no doubt who is the 'Monster.' Kim now a household name in Europe with his superb performances for Napoli since his move last summer. His rise to world-wide acclaim is to no surprise to those who have followed his career since his early days at Jeonbuk Hyundai. Could have made his world cup debut in 2018 but injury ruled him out. In the four years since Kim has made the move to Europe and become as an important player for Korea as Son is.
Kim has pace to burn and the strength to match. Without Kim Min-jae the Korean defence lacks the speed in recovery, calmness to play out from the back and even the threat from set pieces is hampered. The latter being one to watch out for during the world cup as KIm has 2 goals already in his 13 Napoli appearances, while his 3 goals for country should probably be higher as he is the main threat from corners. Also look out for his bursts down the side or into the midfield to help unlock defences especially if the team find themselves behind.
Kim Young-gwon
Club: Ulsan Hyundai
Age: 32
Caps: 95
Former captain has had a bumpy ride in his international career; the elation of the first goal in the famous 2-0 win over world champion Germany in 2018 to being mocked for complaining that the home South Korean fans were too loud and it affected the team's performance. However, his position in the Xi is without question; if Korea reach the 2nd round it's very likely Kim will be able to join the 100-cap club. Qatar will be Kim's third world cup having played every minute of the previous 2 campaigns.
Left-footed Kim is a solid defender and his ability to play out from the back gives the team the foundation to build out from the back. If clubmate and winger Eom Won-sang makes the squad and comes on late look out for Kim to clip balls in from deep aiming for Eom, a signature club move and one that in the Paraguay friendly. His move to the K League last season, his first time playing in the team's domestic league, saw Ulsan end their 17-year wait for the league title. Kim's leadership, defensive qualities and solid partnership with Kim Min-jae makes the Korea centre back pairing a given.
Kwon Kyung-won
Club: Gamba Osaka
Age: 30
Caps: 27
Main backup is Kwon, who made his debut in 2017 but failed to make it onto to the plane to Russia. This time round he will be there and could make some late appearances to shore up the backline if ahead with the ability to play in a back three. This certain place on the plane is in spite of not having a good year at club level; a move to the J League, after almost single-handedly keeping Seongnam in the Kleague in 2021, has proved unsuccessful as Kwon lost his place at Gamba Osaka, who narrowly escaped relegation.
More known for his defending than his passing ability is the main reason why he doesn't get ahead of Kim Min-jae and Kim Young-gwon but his experience and reliability is why he is called upon if either are out with injury.
Park Ji-soo
Club: Gimcheon Sangmu (soon Free Agent)
Age: 28
Caps: 13
Likely third choice here, but again a decent option to have. It's quite surprising that Park only has thirteen caps given his ability. That lack of international experience won't be an issue if called upon and he does have tournament experience as he was part of the Tokyo Olympic squad as an overaged player. Other than that experience, all of Park's caps have come under current manager Bento, who is a fan of his passing ability and aggression.
Park is coming off a relegation with Gimcheon Sangmu, the army side, but is now a free agent and is attracting a lot of attention in the league. Regarded as one of the best defenders in the K League, heavyweights Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Champions League qualifiers Incheon United are both keen on adding Park to their 2023 squads.
Other worthy mentions:
Lee Sang-min (FC Seoul) has played for Korea at every youth level, captaining the side most of the time, but yet to make a full appearance other than with the Olympic side at Tokyo in 2021. He has made it to the Asia based final squad but would be an outsider to make it to Qatar - lacks pace.
Cho Yu-min (Daejeon Citizen) would be the only 2nd division K League player in the squad to make it to the world cup, although will be in the K1 next year. Liked for his flexibility has been a leader at club level from a young age across two clubs. Devilishly handsome and made his first appearances in the recent unsuccessul defence of EAFF tournament.
We go to the centre area of the pitch where Korea have a number of domestic and overseas players doing the business for their teams at club level, including the reigning U-20 World Cup Golden Ball holder, a former Barcelona youth product and a tournament 'one to watch' in the making.
Midfielders
Hwang In-beom
Club: Olympiakos
Age: 26
Caps: 37
If Son Heung-min is the difference maker at the business end of the pitch and Kim Min-jae the monster at the back then the undoubted heartbeat of the team is Hwang In-beom. Without Hwang in the team Korea struggles to create and often play at a slower tempo.
Hwang is the best player in the team at beating the opposition's press and miles above his potential replacement Paik Seung-ho in this regard. His ability to receive the ball under pressure and pass it in between the lines makes him essential to the style that Bento wants to play and is definitely 'one to watch' at this tournament. If he performs to the levels he's capable of he can propel Korea into the second round, and the same is true in reverse if he struggles then Korea will find it hard going.
Hwang received his first call-up in the first game after the 2018 World Cup and has been almost a permanent fixture in the team since. In that time he has played across three continents at club level. Although, the last year has been heavily disrupted by injuries and the Russian war in Ukraine, which forced Hwang to return to the K League while he searched for a new club. He has settled in well at Olympiakos and I wouldn't be surprised if he moves to the English Premiership some time soon. But for now he's sole focus will be on getting Korea into the second round for the first time since 2010.
Jung Woo-young
Club: Al Sadd
Age: 32
Caps: 65
Playing alongside Hwang or in a slightly deeper role as we sometimes see Korea line up in a 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1. Jung does his best work off the ball and had one of his best games for Korea in their impressive 2-0 win during qualification over Iran. In that game he won four of five ground duels and completed ten of eleven long balls, showing that he can get involved in switches of play and balls into the channels. Jung's secret weapon was once his ability on free kicks, scoring a great one against Turkmenistan in the early rounds of qualifying, but now that is solely Son Heung-min's area.
One of only two players born in the 80s, it is not only his experience that will be key in Qatar but the fact that he is the only player in the squad to play his football there. That acclimation to conditions could be very important in this tournament. He has been ever present under Bento and was an unfortunate victim of managerial change prior to the last world cup that meant he was dropped in the first two games of the tournament.
Korea's weakness if they choose to go for the same tactics they have applied under Bento so far will be losing the ball in build-up and defending in transition. Jung is essential in recovering these balls and adding a protective shield to the defence. That weakness may still be exploited with a possibility of Jung to play alongside Son Jun-ho which would add extra protection and still allow their attacking players to get forward.
Lee Jae-sung
Club: Mainz
Age:30
Caps: 64
The 2015 K League rookie of the year is a very gifted player, doing his best work in the half spaces and capable of getting into the box and scoring with nine international goals to his name. Since his K League days he has become a regular in the Bundesliga with Mainz. There he has improved his pressing game and honed his technical ability on the ball; you rarely see him lose the ball.
His place is still somewhat under threat from the rise of Lee Kang-in, who will one day (soon) take over that role as the number 10 in the side. For now, Lee is in and very much part of the starting Xi as he was in 2018 in Russia, playing every minute and assisting Son Heung-min in the game against Mexico.
Kwon Chang-hoon
Club: Gimcheon Sangmu
Age: 28
Caps: 41
Someone who sneaks into the midfield contention is Kwon Chang-hoon, who despite of substandard performances at club level while serving in the military, has become a versatile option to have alongside Hwang In-beom and also like Lee Jae-sung doing his best work in the half spaces, while also capable of playing on he right wing.
The former Bundesliga man has had a tough year at Gimcheon Sangmu in the K League with the club getting relegated to the second tier, while Kwon's inability to score has almost become a parody, along side his own manager being exasperated at how to get the best out of his star player. On the other hand at national team level Kwon scored Korea's first goal to get their campaign going in final qualication in their 2nd game after a home nil-nil with Iraq had put Bento under pressure.
A few more goals dotted around qualification, other tournaments and friendlies makes Kwon a good option but will likely feature off the bench. Hwang Hee-chan's fitness may create an opening as well with Kwon capable of filling in. Having missed the 2018 competition through injury Kwon will be keen to put his tough year behind him, which has seen him quite emotional on the pitch, and help Korea get the better of some tough opposition in Group H.
Other worthy mentions:
Lee Kang-in (Mallorca) The U-20 World Cup Golden Ball winner was touch and go to make the final squad, but fortunately Bento saved himself the headache of explaining his choice and we avoided a Twitter meltdown at the same time. Korea's most gifted player coming through and will be the future of the national team. Still only twenty one though unlikely to be a starter this time round he will be a superb game-changing option to have off the bench. Having sorted out his club career after a few issues with Valencia and then a disappointing first season with Mallorca; Lee has emerged once more as one of the brightest young talents in Europe. His excellent set piece deliveries and ball control has the Korean public very excited for the future.
Son Jun-ho (Shandong Taishan) Pandemic has prevented Son from adding to his international caps as he was only available to feature in one of Korea's final qualifying fixtures and there were similar issues with friendlies even after restrictions were lifted in his homeland. Son provides tenactiy to the defensive area of the pitch and his work rate is second to none. Will likely only feature as a sub unless Bento prefers a counter attacking approach where he could come in as the second number six alongside Jung Woo-young. His role as a sub would be to tighten up the defence if holding onto leads.
Paik Seung-ho (Jeonbuk Hyundai) Former Barcelona youth product and now an important part of one of the K League's top sides. Paik sometimes goes unnoticed in games but has been able to make his mark in some international friendlies. A strong leader on the pitch and good set piece taker though he will likely not feature much unless there are injuries to either Kwon or Lee Jae-sung.
This article jumps to the business end of the team looking at the forwards who we now know are certain will go to the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Usually playing a one man attack but with enough support to consider the wider option of Son Heung-min and others part of that overall attack. Not prolific during qualifying, mainly due to missed chances and stubborn defences, but playing stronger opponents could be an opportunity for players to shine under the spotlight of the World Cup.
Forwards
Son Heung-min
Club: Tottenham
Age: 30
Caps: 104
Captain and sporting icon already in Korea. His injury status has been and will continue to dominate the headlines in the lead up to what should be his 3rd world cup. He has three goals in his six world cup appearances which is half of the total goals Korea has scored in their last two WC campaigns, which tells us everything about how important Son has been and is for South Korea.
His role for Korea hasn't always been clear; under previous coaches he played further out on the left or too deep behind the forward, and intially under Bento the same could have been said as he often struggled or perhaps tried too hard to impact games. He now has a freer role in the team and usually drifts in from the left to play alongside Hwang Ui-jo; although he can be guilty of coming too deep to get the ball when the team is struggling to break down opponents. In the build up friendlies that he was available for he really showed his composure and class dispatching not one but two late free kicks against South and Central American teams.
Son got four goals in seven qualifiers as he missed a few games through injury and while the team were able to win all three games he missed without conceding a goal that seems highly unlikely if he were to miss any games at the world cup and would make it collectively a worse tournament.
Hwang Ui-jo
Club: Olympiakos (on loan from Nottingham Forest)
Age: 30
Caps: 49
Starting striker and unfortunately much maligned number nine (squad number 16) has been the starter for Bento since he took over after the 2018 World Cup. He provides much better link up and movement than some of his predecessor's over the last decade, and crucially allows Son Heung-min to operate in a freer role while providing a mobile focal point for the team. His experience in Ligue one in France has made him into a well-rounded striker capable of both the spectacular and hold up play that no other Korean striker possesses.
Now, unfortunately the final qualifying campaign did not produce good results statistically, zero goals and a lone assist has led some to call for a change. However, he has shown in subsequent friendlies that he still has that eye for goal, scoring against Brazil and Egypt. His finishing in clutch situations is suspect but getting those chances in the first place is a sign that he's doing all the right things except putting the ball in the net consistently.
A poor club choice following Bordeaux's relegation from Ligue un has only added to calls for a change but it's important to keep the faith and give Hwang the chance for the first time on the biggest of stages.
Cho Gue-sung
Club: Jeonbuk Hyundai
Age: 24
Caps: 16
The change that has been called for undoubtedly involves Cho, who has grown into an excellent backup for the more experienced Hwang. Similar attributes in terms of link up and movement, as well as some solid performances in his sixteen caps with four goals, means it is a potential welcome headache for Bento.
Cho Gue-sung spent the 2021 season in K League 2, fulfilling his military duty as is required of every male in Korea. It was there at Gimcheon Sangmu that he really developed his strength and finishing. Having been played predominantly on the wing at Jeonbuk before the move, he played centrally at Gimcheon and combining his goals this season at the military side and once he returned to Jeonbuk he was able to share the top scorer award in the K League with a late fury of goals.
Internationally, he has made it clear that he can fulfill the role of number nine either coming off the bench or as a starter, but can on occasion give up possession with a loose touch. Tidying up on a few technical parts of his game to add to his already accomplished finishing ability will see him likely be Korea's first choice at the next world cup. This time round some appearances off the bench seems most likely with a possible start alongside Hwang in a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 also something that we could see. One thing is for sure, European scouts will have an eye on him and he is expected to leave Jeonbuk in January so is very much in the shop window here.
Hwang Hee-chan
Club: Wolves
Age: 26
Caps: 49
Hwang Hee-chan isn't coming into the tournament in much form but the effectiveness of his dribbling and eye for goal brings a nice balance to the Korean front 3 alongside his namesake Ui-jo and star man Son. This will be Hwang's 2nd world cup after starting in their first two group games in Russia at the age of twenty-two. Unfortunately like much of the team in those games, and especially the forwards, he had little impact. Four years down the line and with his place in the team assured he will look to have more say in Group H.
His performance in the first half of final qualifying was very good with three assists and one goal in the first six games. Post qualification he scored an excellent goal against Chile before he had to leave camp to finish some military service as he is exempt from service but still required to do training.
Played on the right wing but with some license to come inside with most of Korea's attacks coming down the opposing flank he does tend to end up in central positions with Kim Moon-hwan providing an overlap and width. His dribbling, speed and technique makes him stand out in the team and that puts him ahead of others in that position with Jeong Woo-yeong the main threat to his place if Hwang were to continue his somewhat mediocre performances that he has produced a struggling Wolves side in the Premier League.
Other worthy mentions:
Jeong Woo-yeong (Freiburg) the aforementioned former Bayern Munich youth product already has two international goals in his nine appearances for country and both goals came from off the bench, which is a role we should see of him this tournament. The two goals he got are even more impressive in context with his first being his world cup qualification debut and the second a late equaliser in a friendly at home to Paraguay, which would've been seen as big defeat on home soil. His dribbling and speed certainly makes for a good alternative if Hwang Hee-chan can't recapture his form.
Song Min-kyu (Jeonbuk Hyundai) will likely serve as Son Heung-min's backup. Those are shoes too big to fill but you can't escape the fact that Song has done well for Korea given his lack of experience and even grabbed his first international goal with a signature back post header in the Asian squad friendly at the start of November. Well fancied by Bento despite some troubles at club level following a move from Pohang to Jeonbuk; his appetite for goals and ability to find space in the box means that he carries a different threat from other options that sees him operate in a similar manner to Son in Bento's 4-2-3-1. Likely to see minutes from the bench.
Na Sang-ho (FC Seoul) is another that is trusted by Bento even though he rarely dazzles on the international scene. A tough year at capital club FC Seoul has made him the perhaps surprise choice with youngsters Eom Won-sang and K League young player of the year Yang Hyun-jun possibly more deserving. Na will compete with Song as the backup on the left side for Son Heung-min and again offers similar characteristics with the preference to cut in and not afraid to shoot.