Gangwon FC, a professional soccer team that created Yang Min-hyuk (18, Tottenham), a “high school special,” has recruited eight new players in the 2025 season.
Gangwon announced on the 19th that it signed rookie contracts for the 2025 season with Kim Hyung-jin (18), Kim Tae-hwan (18), Sung Ki-wan (20), Yoo Byung-hun (18), Yoo Joon-jin (18), Lee Ji-ho (22), Jung Seung-bin (18), and Hwang Eun-chong (18).
When he was a first and second year high school student, Kim Hyung-jin stood out by winning a number of competitions, including the Autumn Federation in 2022, the Baeknokgi in 2023, and the Spring Federation this year. He won the Attack Award at the U-17 Youth Cup last year. In July, he signed a semi-professional contract with Gangwon and set a record for the youngest ever appearance by Gangwon FC through his debut match.
“I am well aware that you have waited for me for a long time. I will prepare well as you have waited for me for a long time so that I can greet you more on the ground next year,” Kim Hyung-jin said. “Please look forward to the 2025 season. Thank you for your support always.”
Kim Tae-hwan is a midfielder from Yeongdeungpo Technical High School. Having been the team’s main player since his freshman year, Kim swept the championship including the Presidential Gold Cup, the Baegungi, the King Wangjung match, and the National Sports Festival last year. He led the team to victory by scoring six points in six matches in the Diamondbacks. Kim Tae-hwan has the resources that a midfielder should possess, including ball guard, passing ability, tempo and interval control.
“I am so honored to be here at a great team called Gangwon FC,” Kim said. “I will do my best to become a good player as I joined a good team. I will be a dedicated player who will be helpful to my team.”
Sung Ki-wan is from Gangneung Jeil High School, Gangwon FC U-18 team. He joined the team through a priority nomination at Ajou University. He is a wing forward with outstanding scoring ability. He boasts left-footed kick ability and dribbling ability to change the flow of the game, combined with accuracy and power such as shooting and cross. Sung Ki-wan, who led the team to an unbeaten victory as the top scorer in Group A of the K League Junior League in 2022, won the 2023 Baekdudaegangi Scorer, the 2023 Hansan Battle Scorer, and the 2024 U League 2nd District Scorer.
“Kangwon FC is a team that means a lot to me. I have many happy memories. I am so happy to take my first step as a professional player in such a team,” Sung said. “I will do my best to be remembered as a good player in Gangwon Province.”
Yoo Byung-hun is a striker from Matango, Suwon Samsung’s U-18 team. He is a side striker with excellent dribbling and shooting abilities following his movements after penetration. He boasts outstanding scoring ability including the 2024 Korea Football Association Equipment Attack Award and the 2023 U-17 Championship Scoring Award. Yang Min-hyuk also picked Yoo as a promising player at the K-League Awards held last month.
Yoo Byung-hun said, “It is a great honor to join a good team called Gangwon FC. I want to see the fans at the stadium as soon as possible. I ask for your support.”
Yoo Jun-jin is an aggressive central midfielder from Jinwi FC. He has outstanding repression, pass ability, and activity, and also boasts scoring ability through one-on-one breakthrough. He led his team to the top at the 2024 Busan MBC National High School Championship.
Yoo Jun-jin said, “It is an honor to join a good club. I will understand what the club demands in the stadium as soon as possible. I will do my best to become an essential player for the team.” 스포츠토토
Lee Ji-ho is a striker from Korea University. He boasts of one-on-one breakthrough style that he tries from the sides in a reckless play style. He displayed strong fighting spirit within the stadium and displayed leadership enough to serve as captain during his college years. He was also selected for the regular soccer match between Korea and Japan at the 2022 Denso Cup.
Lee Ji-ho said, “I’m so honored to join Kangwon FC. As we finished second place, we will try to contribute to the team so that we can advance to a higher level this time.”