'Additional goal hero' Lee Ho-jae (Pohang) has made a strong impression on head coach Hong Myung-bo. After expressing joy in scoring a goal, he vowed, "If given the opportunity in the match against Japan, I will run for 'offensive points.'"

The South Korean national soccer team, led by Hong Myung-bo, played the second match against Hong Kong in the 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship (East Asian Cup) on the 11th at Yongin Mir Stadium, winning 2-0.

Lee Ho-jae, who made his international debut in a match on the 7th against China (a 3-0 victory for Korea) as a substitute, started in today's match.

He celebrated. He scored his first international goal against Hong Kong.

Using his height of 192cm, Lee Ho-jae found the back of the net against Hong Kong. In the 21st minute of the second half, with the team leading 1-0, he was closely marked by the opponent's defense but managed to precisely direct the ball with his head to score.

He showcased the sharp scoring ability he displayed in the K League on the national team. He has recorded 8 goals and 1 assist in 20 matches in the K League 1 this season.

Lee Ho-jae's nickname is 'K-Haaland.' It is a reference to Erling Haaland, who plays for Manchester City in the English Premier League. The nickname is given due to his tall stature, strong physique, ability in aerial duels, quick feet, and powerful shooting skills.

He is the son of Lee Gi-hyung, the coach of Yanbian Longding (China). During his playing days, Lee Gi-hyung was a side defender and scored 6 goals in 47 matches wearing the national team jersey.

After the match, in the mixed zone, Lee Ho-jae said, "It is an honor just to be selected for the national team. I am happy and honored to have scored a goal representing the Republic of Korea." He then shared, "I received a text from my father congratulating me and saying he is proud of me."

Head coach Hong Myung-bo praised Lee Ho-jae's goal but noted, "There were also moments of isolation."

Lee Ho-jae said, "I was prepared to expect Hong Kong to sit back, but since the players who played this time were all together for the first time, there were parts that did not match. We practiced the timing of crosses a lot... Still, I’m glad I scored a goal. (Moon) Sun-min hyung provided a great cross."

When asked about the equity on the goal, he smiled and said, "Sun-min hyung gets 70%, I get 30%."

What does scoring in an A-match mean to him following in his father's footsteps? Lee Ho-jae said, "It is rare for a family to be selected for the national team, so scoring makes it even more meaningful and honorable."

On the 15th, Korea will face Japan. He hopes to receive another call from head coach Hong Myung-bo.

Lee Ho-jae vowed, "If the coach puts me in the game, I will do my best to record offensive points."

Finally, he emphasized, "Scoring goals boosts confidence as a forward. I want to continue to develop further."

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