“I’m going to ask you everything I’m curious about.”
He reprise his national flag in two years after changing his position. However, rather than feeling excited, he decided to pursue his goal of learning more. Gangwon FC center back Lee Ki-hyuk (24) expressed his commitment.
After the match against Suwon FC held at Suwon Stadium on Sunday, Lee told reporters how he felt about being selected as a member of the national team and his goals. “All the players think of the national team. I can’t believe I got to be selected again. It’s his duty to do his best to show good performances even when he joins the national team. I hope he can play in the national team in good form as well,” Lee said.
It is the second time that Lee has been selected for the national team. Coach Hong Myung-bo has selected Lee for the second consecutive round of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North Korea and the U.S. this month. Earlier in 2022, Lee put on his first career national flag under former coach Paulo Bento. Through this selection, he returned to the national team for the first time in two years and four months.
In the meantime, a lot of things have changed for Lee Ki-hyuk. His team has become Gangwon and his position has changed. Lee Ki-hyuk, who originally played as a midfielder, is playing as a key defender for Gangwon. He plays center back and side back. As a midfielder, his wide field of view and accurate pass are also being shown in defense.
“I felt like I moved a lot of teams and couldn’t even get a seat, but I’ve been playing a lot of games since I moved to Gangwon. The position has also changed. My mindset is that I have to play more games because I want to play in this national team,” Lee said. “As I was a midfielder, I think I have an edge over other center backs in the build-up.” “I’m more nervous (than when I first picked him).”
However, Lee said he lacked defense compared to other center backs. Instead, he plans to learn many things by staying with his teammates of the national team. “I think existing center backs are better at defense, so I try to learn more quickly,” Lee said. “I think it would be good if I improve my defense capabilities, so I will put more effort into my defense.” 먹튀검증
Fortunately, he will be with the best teacher for Lee. It is Kim Min-jae (28, Bayern Munich), a “monster defender” who is active in the European big leagues. “Two years ago, I was impressed by Hwang In-beom (28, Feyenoord). This time, I will go to center back, not as a midfielder, but Kim Min-jae is a representative center back in Korea, so I want to go and learn a lot,” Lee said.
Lee said, “I think we need to learn the basics of defense first. Fans say I’m good, but I feel I’m lacking every time I watch the game. I’m going to ask Kim Min-jae about everything I’m curious about. If you have any questions, I think you should learn a lot by bullying him or the coaches.” Regarding Kim Min-jae’s playing with him, he said, “If I’m not expecting anything, I’m lying. I want to play because I can see him well somehow.”
Gangwon teammates cheered for him, too. Yang Min-hyuk (18), who had been to Hong Myung-bo first, and Hwang Moon-ki (28) took care of Lee Ki-hyuk. “Yang said, ‘Do well, brother.’ Hwang was also supposed to join the national team, but he got hurt during training and couldn’t make it this time,” Lee said. “Hwang said, ‘Do well’ even more than anything. They gave me advice and comfort that I can give as a senior and junior player.”