Choi Kang-min: "Korean national team, 1-0 victory over Czech Republic... Must win" [World Cup Preview Show]

*This content was translated by AI.

TVXQ's Choi Kang-min, who appeared on KBS's North America-Central America World Cup Czech Republic pre-show, predicted the outcome of the 2026 North America-Central America World Cup match against Czech Republic.

On the 12th (Friday) morning, the KBS North America-Central America World Cup Czech Republic pre-show broadcast on KBS 2TV featured MC Jang Ye-won, who not only showcased the scenes of Hong Myung-bo's team players in Mexico but also highlighted Korea's past World Cup performances, further heating up the atmosphere ahead of the Czech Republic match.

Jang Ye-won asked the three pre-show guests, "Korea has appeared in the finals 12 times and scored 39 goals. If you had to pick the most memorable Korean goal in the World Cups so far, what would it be?" In response, Choi Kang-min, fully aware of coach Seol Ki-hyeon sitting next to him, said, "Coach Seol Ki-hyeon's goal is also truly memorable... but we cannot leave out the most recent World Cup story. I cannot forget Hwang Hee-chan's miraculous goal that erupted in the 2022 Qatar World Cup match against Portugal." He then added, "I think the 1998 France World Cup was the first World Cup I watched. Many people fell in love with soccer while watching Lee Dong-gook and Ahn Jung-hwan," before suddenly realizing he had mentioned Coach Seol Ki-hyeon, causing him to laugh awkwardly.

In contrast, Kim Young-gwon recalled his winning goal in the 2018 Russia World Cup match against Germany, known as the "Miracle of Kazan." He joked, "My goal was the winning goal, but the spotlight went more to Son Heung-min, who scored an additional goal." He also openly admitted the burden of being part of the Ko (CEO) team, saying, "I decided that when I return to Korea, I won't get criticized anymore."

Meanwhile, the "match prediction" for the Czech Republic game continued. Coach Seol Ki-hyeon predicted a 1-0 victory, stating, "I expect a 1-0 win. Korea's advantage of being well-adapted to high altitude is prominent." Kim Jin-su bet on a 2-0 victory, answering, "I want us to win no matter what, so that's why, and there's no specific reason." Kim Young-gwon predicted a 2-1 victory, saying, "Czech Republic is strong in set pieces, so we might concede about one goal." Finally, Choi Kang-min, driven by the fan sentiment that "we must win," predicted a 1-0 victory and prayed for Korea's first win.

Appearing on-site as a reporter alongside commentator Lee Young-pyo and caster Nam Hyun-jong in Mexico, Lee Kyung-gyu said, "I have come to watch the World Cup in person every time, but this is the first time I am standing on the pitch. I have run for this day." He also sent passionate support, saying, "Korea will advance past the Round of 32 and Round of 16 and go as far as possible."

The 2026 FIFA North America-Central America World Cup South Korea national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will face Czech Republic on the 12th (today), followed by matches against Mexico on the 19th (Friday) at 10 a.m. and South Africa on the 25th (Thursday) at 10 a.m., as they challenge for a spot in the Round of 32. Under the slogan "One Korea! The World Cup is KBS," KBS will exclusively broadcast the 2026 FIFA North America-Central America World Cup on terrestrial channels live. Commentators will include Lee Young-pyo, Park Ju-young, Kim Shin-wook, Jo Won-hee, Park Chan-ha, and Jung Woo-won, while casters will be Jeon Hyun-moo and Nam Hyun-jong. (Photo provided by KBS)

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*This content was translated by AI.