Yang Min-hyuk (Gangwon), who signed with Tottenham of the English Premier League (EPL) at the age of 18 and even entered the adult national team, has made a determination to play his own soccer with “daringness” among his brothers.
“It is an honor to join the national team,” Yang said in an interview released through the Korea Football Association on the 3rd. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity at a young age,” he said. “Since I’m the youngest, I think I should approach the older members first to get to know them quickly and have time to adjust.”
Yang Min-hyuk, a high school student born in 2006 and currently attending Gangneung Jeil High School, made his K-League debut this year by signing a semi-professional contract with Gangwon.
In less than a season, Yang Min-hyuk has emerged as the league’s best star.
He has made eight goals and five assists in the league, ranking eighth (13 goals) in the total number of offensive points, rapidly emerging as a top player, leading Gangwon’s leading sensation.
At the Korea Professional Football Federation’s July awards, he won the Player of the Month, the Young Player, and the Goal of the Month award, winning three individual awards.
He agreed to join Tottenham at the end of July and is expected to join the team in January next year, and spent his first day at the A national team the day before, with the choice of Hong Myung-bo, who took the helm of the national team again for the first time in 10 years.
“I didn’t hear much about it because I didn’t go to school for a few days after the announcement of the call, but I received congratulatory messages from some friends,” said Yang Min-hyuk, who shyly said, “Yesterday was a simple recovery, but I think it was systematic. I’m looking forward to training with my brothers in seriousness and enjoyment.”
When he joined the national team, he said, “Jae-sung took good care of me and talked to me a lot. I’m doing well because it’s my first time coming in with (Choi) Woo-jin.”
Yang Min-hyuk, who ranked 13th in the selection of the youngest national team at the age of 18 years and 132 days, will be ranked 5th in his youngest A-match debut ever if he participates in one of the two A-match series in September.
Hong Myung-bo, who convened in Goyang the previous day, will play the first match of the 2026 North-China World Cup Asia 3rd qualifying round against Palestine at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 5th and the second match against Oman in Muscat, Oman, at 11 p.m. on the 10th (Korea time).
Yang Min-hyuk said, “I don’t feel intimidated just because I’m young, and I want to be bold,” adding, “I want to appeal my dribbling and finishing ability using speed as much as possible.” 먹튀검증
One of Yang Min-hyuk’s goals is to build a friendship with Son Heung-min, the captain of the national team, who will become a “team mate” if he joins Tottenham in January.
“(Son Heung-min) met me during the Coupang Play series and advised me that I am doing well and that I should study English a lot. I’m looking forward to it more because we live together this time,” he said. “I want to get closer and talk to you, and I think I need to learn a lot.”