Gangwon FC forward Lee Ji-ho received the first "Young Player of the Month Award" for the 2025 season.
The "Young Player of the Month Award" is given to the most outstanding 'young player' in the K League 1 each month.
Eligibility criteria include being a K League 1 player, ▲ South Korean nationality, ▲ under 23 years old (born after 2002), and ▲ having made their official K League debut within three years from the year of their first appearance (after the 2023 season). Players who meet these three conditions and have participated in more than half of their team’s total game time for the month are considered as candidates. The final winner is determined through discussions and votes by the technical committee members of the Technical Study Group (TSG).
The first Young Player Award of the year assessed a total of six matches from the 1st to the 6th rounds of K League 1 held in February and March. Including Lee Ji-ho (Gangwon), who performed during the same period, a total of nine players, including Shin Min-ha (Gangwon), Chae Hyun-woo (Anyang), Seo Myeong-gwan (Ulsan), Choi Woo-jin (Jeonbuk), and Kim Jun-ha (Jeju), were nominated.
Among them, Lee Ji-ho participated in all matches up to the 6th round, recording the most playing time, excluding defender candidates Park Jin-young and Seo Myeong-gwan. Additionally, Lee Ji-ho made a significant impact by providing an assist in his debut match against Daegu in Round 1 and scoring multiple goals in Round 2 against Pohang, earning Man of the Match and a spot in the Round Best 11. As a result, Lee Ji-ho received the most votes from the TSG Commissioners.
Born in 2002, Lee Ji-ho debuted professionally this year after attending Hyundai High School and Korea University. Lee Ji-ho has adapted quickly to the team, showcasing outstanding skills in every match, which is hard to believe for a debut season.
The trophy and prize money for the 2nd-3rd month "Young Player of the Month" Lee Ji-ho will be awarded prior to the match between Gangwon and Gwangju, which will be held at Chuncheon Songam Sports Town on the 13th of this month (Sunday).
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