There are two European champions in the South Korean national team.
The national soccer team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will face Kuwait in the 10th match of Group B in the Asian third qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 10th.
South Korea won 2-0 against Iraq in an away match on the 6th, thanks to consecutive goals from Kim Jin-kyu and Oh Hyun-kyu. With this victory, South Korea recorded 5 wins and 4 draws (19 points), securing a place in the top two of the group with one match remaining, earning a ticket to the World Cup finals.
The stature of the South Korean national team, which has a large number of players in Europe, has remarkably changed compared to the past. It is not simply that many Korean players have advanced to Europe. Two players have emerged who played as key members in prestigious clubs and won European competitions, similar to Cha Bum-kun and Park Ji-sung. It feels like a new era.
Son Heung-min lifted Tottenham to victory in the UEFA Europa League, washing away the sorrow of having no titles. Son Heung-min, despite a foot injury, was substituted in for the final and played actively. Although he wasn't at 100% physically, the sight of the captain demonstrating his fighting spirit through injury became an inspiration for younger players. Son Heung-min roared while holding the championship trophy. It was the moment of the birth of a Tottenham legend.
Lee Kang-in achieved a remarkable 'treble.' He dominated Ligue 1 and also won the Coupe de France. In addition, he claimed victory in the UEFA Champions League, the most prestigious tournament in European soccer. He is the second South Korean player to win after Park Ji-sung. Lee Kang-in even earned the nickname 'romantic guy' after placing the championship medal around his girlfriend's neck.
Although he missed this national team call-up, 'the wall' Kim Min-jae also claimed victory in the German Bundesliga. Kim Min-jae contributed to Bayern Munich's title while playing as a starter throughout the season despite injuries. Having previously won Serie A during his time at Napoli, Kim Min-jae has now won titles in two of the top five European leagues.
Fellow national team players often look up to Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in. Oh Hyun-kyu, a Son Heung-min fan, is now playing as a key player at Genk in Belgium after passing through the prestigious Scottish team Celtic.
Oh Hyun-kyu joked about his friend Lee Kang-in's Champions League victory, saying, 'It is a blessing to be able to see a European champion up close. Winning the Champions League is something that some people can only dream of. Sometimes, I don’t want to see him because he tends to show off, but I respect him as a friend.'
The victory of his idol Son Heung-min was even more moving. Oh Hyun-kyu expressed, 'Hyung-min also won in a competition where only strong teams from Europe compete. As a national team mate, I am happy that the older brother I admired since childhood has won.'
Now it is Oh Hyun-kyu's turn to realize his dreams. He was selected as a reserve player for the 2022 Qatar World Cup to prepare for Son Heung-min's facial injury but ultimately did not get to play. After scoring a crucial goal against Iraq, Oh Hyun-kyu, who has improved his scoring sense, has become a strong candidate for the North American World Cup.
Oh Hyun-kyu said, 'Wearing the number 9 for the national team is a dream. When I was young, I always drew pictures instead of studying at the desk, and the jersey number I dreamt of was 9. The dream of that boy is to participate in the World Cup,' as he envisioned his future.
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