"YANG MINHYUK is making a splash!"" Gangwon, Choi Jae-hyuk, Ko Eun-seok, and Kim Tae-hyuk held three rookies

*This content was translated by AI.

Gangwon FC has produced the youngest semi-professional player in the club's history to secure future resources.

Gangwon FC announced on the 9th that it signed a semi-professional contract with Choi Jae-hyuk (17), a defender of the U-18 team (Gangneung Jeil High School), and recruited Ko Eun-seok (21, Hongik University) and Kim Tae-hyuk (19, Geumho High School) as rookies. He strengthened the team's depth by actively embracing promising players who have grown up in Gangwon Province, his hometown.

The most eye-catching player is Choi Jae-hyuk, who was born in 2009. He, who is a second-year student at Gangneung Jeil High School, was listed as the youngest and fifth semi-professional player in the club's history. It is the first time since its foundation that a Gangwon club has signed a semi-professional contract with a second-year high school player. It is the club's next-generation prospect that follows the success story of Yang Min-hyuk, who made his K-League debut as a high school senior in 2024.

In particular, Choi Jae-hyuk is also the first team to go straight to the first team through both U-15 (Jumunjinjin Middle School) and U-18 (Gangneung Jeil High School) youth systems. He plays both center back and side defender and is also active in the national team by age (17 games) based on his solid basic skills. Last year, he participated in the Chinese Peace Cup as a member of the U-16 national team and contributed to the victory.

Choi Jae-hyuk said, "I'm happy to achieve the moment I've dreamed of since I was a child. I will not be proud and work harder to become a player who is helpful to the team," he said.

Ko Eun-seok, a promising player from Gangneung, is also notable. Ko Eun-seok, who graduated from Gangneung Jungang High School and played at Hongik University, is a multi-resource that can play from defensive midfielders to center and side defenders. Excellent location selection and ability to use both feet stand out. Ko Eun-seok said, "It's all the more meaningful because I feel like I'm back in Gangneung, where I spent my high school days. As I took my first step on the professional stage, I will do my best," he vowed.

Kim Tae-hyuk, who joined together, is a midfielder from Gwangju FC U-18 (Geumho High School). It has simple linkage play and sophisticated pass capabilities, and can cover the entire Jungwon area. Kim Tae-hyuk, who led the second place in the national high school football league during his time at Kumho High School, said, "I want to adapt to the team as soon as possible and show good performance to the fans."

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*This content was translated by AI.