The Netherlands is also taking notice. Another South Korean midfielder, Bae Seung-kyun (18, Boin High School), has signed with Feyenoord, joining Hwang In-beom (29) at the club.

Feyenoord announced on the 8th (Korean time) through the club's official website, "We have signed Bae Seung-kyun. He will officially become a Feyenoord player on July 1, 2025."

Feyenoord added, "Bae Seung-kyun, who turns 18 at the end of this month, comes from Boin High School soccer team based in Seoul. As a member of the South Korean youth national team, he signed the contract in Seoul under the watchful eyes of his parents. Accordingly, he will remain with the Rotterdam team until mid-2028," noting that he signed a three-year contract, which is not a youth contract but a first-team contract.

Bae Seung-kyun is a central midfielder born in 2007. He is a player with presence on both offense and defense and can cover all areas of the midfield. Last year, he was called up to the under-17 (U-17) national soccer team led by head coach Baek Ki-tae and played in three matches.

Feyenoord stated, "Bae Seung-kyun is a versatile player. He can play in various positions in the midfield. As one of the outstanding players among his teammates, he previously had an impressive performance during an internship at Feyenoord. Now, Bae Seung-kyun has the opportunity to further develop at Feyenoord."

The role of national team midfielder Hwang In-beom has also been significant in Feyenoord's signing of Bae Seung-kyun. The club highly regarded Hwang In-beom's attitude and skills since signing him last summer, which led to the scouting of Bae Seung-kyun. Noticing him, Feyenoord scouts invited Bae Seung-kyun to the Netherlands last October for a test training session, where he earned a passing score.

Bae Seung-kyun remarked, "It all still feels like a dream to me. During the internship period, I felt at home at the club. From now on, I will do my best to contribute to Feyenoord."

With the signing of Bae Seung-kyun, Feyenoord has also established a partnership with Boin High School. Mark Koevermans, the director of Feyenoord, expressed, "I am very satisfied with this collaboration. Boin High School has consistently produced talents that find their paths. When we previously visited Korea, we discovered that school teams play very well. We hope to continue to support the development of those players."

For Bae Seung-kyun, this is an opportunity to learn and develop his talent under the guidance of Hwang In-beom. Feyenoord is also a cradle for many promising players, being a traditional stronghold in the Netherlands Eredivisie. The club boasts a history of 16 league titles, 14 KNVB Cup victories, and one UEFA Champions League (UCL) title.

Feyenoord has deep connections with South Korean players. In the past, Song Jong-kook, Kim Nam-il, and Lee Cheon-soo played for the team, and currently, Hwang In-beom is active as a starting midfielder.

In particular, Hwang In-beom secured a starting position as a key midfielder right after donning the Feyenoord uniform this season. Although manager Robin van Persie, who took over during his recovery from injury, has come on board, trust in Hwang In-beom remains strong.

For Bae Seung-kyun, who is also a central midfielder, Hwang In-beom serves as a good role model and a senior to rely on. Hwang In-beom also shared Bae Seung-kyun's official photo on social media, welcoming him with a South Korean flag and applause emojis.

There are also expectations for Bae Seung-kyun in the Netherlands. "Who is Bae Seung-kyun?" the media outlet 'Bootbal Nieuws' noted, "Born in Seoul, he entered the prestigious Boin High School for talent development in January 2023. He debuted with the South Korean U-17 national team in September 2024, subsequently participating in several international matches, showing his growth as a talented player and gaining recognition."

The outlet commented, "Bae Seung-kyun convinced the club's technical staff during his Feyenoord internship. Consequently, the club decided to sign him," praising that "Bae Seung-kyun is evaluated as a multitasking midfielder with excellent skills, ball control, and an understanding of game pace—a trait often seen in South Korean players."

Finally, Bootbal Nieuws added, "Bae Seung-kyun is still regarded as an unfinished player. However, there is great confidence in his potential for development within Feyenoord. Having a fellow South Korean player like Hwang In-beom in the first team can help Bae Seung-kyun adjust more quickly, both sportively and culturally."

[Photo] Feyenoord social media.

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