Three stars of Korean soccer are still shining in Europe.
The Washington Post focused on the fact that Kim Min-jae, Son Heung-min, and Lee Kang-in are leaving meaningful marks on the top stage of European football as of the 14th (Korean time).
The Washington Post said, "Korea is somewhat wavering in international tournaments such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League, but Kim Min-jae, Son Heung-min, and Lee Kang-in are clearly showing their presence in Europe," introducing them as "the representative faces of successful Korean soccer in Europe."
The first mentioned player is Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. The Washington Post evaluated him as "one of the greatest defenders in the history of Korean soccer" and highly praised his career, which includes winning league titles in two European countries. Kim Min-jae led Napoli to the Serie A title in the 2022-2023 season and played a key role in Bayern Munich's rise to the top of the Bundesliga this season.
The most notable figure following him was Son Heung-min. The Washington Post remarked, "The most iconic figure in Korean soccer remains Son Heung-min," drawing attention to the fact that he is approaching the UEFA Europa League final.
Son Heung-min, the captain of Tottenham, is facing the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United. In an interview with the media, he said, "To complete the puzzle, we need the last piece. I have been chasing that piece for over 10 years. This time, I want to complete the puzzle," expressing his strong desire for victory.
He participated in the UCL final against Liverpool in 2019 but finished as a runner-up. This time, as team captain, he is stepping onto the stage of a second European competition final and aiming for his first European title since his debut.
Son Heung-min recently returned to play after recovering from injury and is likely to start in the Europa League final. He conveyed his determination, saying, "When I return to Korea at the end of the season, I want to show the brightest smile to my fans and supporters."
Lee Kang-in is in a contrasting situation. He secured a starting position at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the beginning of the season but has recently struggled to get consistent playing time and remained on the bench during both legs of the UCL semifinals. PSG has advanced to the final, but Lee Kang-in's standing is becoming increasingly precarious.
The Washington Post stated, "Lee Kang-in is seeing transfer rumors arise from several clubs in Europe," and explained, "Kim Min-jae is also keeping his options open regarding a transfer." However, there is a clear difference in the future paths of the two players. Kim Min-jae recently expressed a cautious stance, saying, "There is no reason to leave. However, we must see what happens," while analyses suggest Lee Kang-in has a high possibility of transferring this summer.
Despite experiencing Achilles tendon pain and a decline in physical condition toward the end of the season, Kim Min-jae has consistently featured as a key player in Bayern Munich's defense. His market value is assessed at 45 million euros (about 73.6 billion won) according to Transfermarkt, and Bayern Munich intends to retain him unless there is a concrete offer.
In contrast, Lee Kang-in has failed to secure a solid position within PSG, and there is a growing consensus that he needs to seek a transfer for more playing opportunities. He is reportedly being watched by multiple leagues, including Spain and England, and interest is expected to focus on him in the summer transfer market.
The Washington Post noted, "It remains uncertain which uniforms these three Korean stars will wear next season," but added, "At this moment, their focus is on the European competition trophy, and their performances will bring special hope to Korean fans."
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