The 'seat next to Kim Min-jae' still remains unfound... Could Lee Ki-hyeok, who boasts the 'fewest goals conceded in K League 1', be the answer? "I'm getting ambitious"

*This content was translated by AI.

"As the story keeps coming up, I'm getting very ambitious."

Ahead of the 'dream stage', the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, Gangwon FC defender Lee Ki-hyeok (26) expressed his ambition to join the Lee (CEO) team.

Gangwon has shown the most solid defense among the 12th teams in K League 1 this season. In 11 matches, they have conceded only 9 goals, tying for first place in the league for fewest goals conceded alongside FC Seoul and Pohang Steelers. Lee Ki-hyeok, a key defender, played a major role. In 10 matches, he recorded an average of 10th in the league for ball clearances and an average of 4.3 clearings (22nd in the league), showcasing stable defense. His calm build-up play is also cited as a plus factor.

Naturally, Lee Ki-hyeok's name has been coming up in connection with the South Korean national team. According to football officials, Lee Ki-hyeok is known to be one of the defenders being closely watched by Hong Myung-bo (57), the national team coach. Last month, Hong Myung-bo, along with Gangwon FC and FC Seoul coaches Joao Arroso and Kim Dong-jin, watched the players from both teams at a match in Gangneung. Lee Ki-hyeok also started as a center-back in the Incheon United away match on the 2nd, leading his team to a 1-0 victory.

He openly shared his true feelings about joining the Lee Gi-hyeok-do (CEO) team. Lee Ki-hyeok, met in the Incheon match, said, "As the story keeps coming up, I'm getting very ambitious. I truly believe it's a great opportunity."

Coach Hong Myung-bo has opted for a three-back formation. While 'monster defender' Kim Min-jae (30, Bayern Munich) anchors the center, the players for the side positions have not been firmly decided. For the left stopper, Kim Ju-seong (26, Sanfrecce Hiroshima) and Kim Tae-hyun (26, Kashima Antlers) have alternated, but Kim Ju-seong has yet to return to action after suffering an injury last month. Questions remain about his fitness and match sharpness.

For the right stopper, Jo Yu-min (30, Sharjah FC) and Lee Han-beom (24, Midtjylland) have primarily taken on the starting role. However, in the match against Côte d'Ivoire in March, Jo Yu-min showed a disappointing defense. South Korea suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat. With Coach Hong Myung-bo potentially making changes to the defense, Lee Ki-hyeok has emerged as a top-tier defender in K League 1. However, Lee Ki-hyeok last wore the national team jersey in 2022, his first and only appearance. Although he was called up under Coach Hong Myung-bo's regime, he never played and remained on the bench.

However, Lee Ki-hyeok turned disappointment into a stepping stone for growth. He said, "At that time, Coach Hong Myung-bo and the coaches gave me a lot of feedback on defensive aspects. Keeping that feedback in mind, I believe stability is most important for a defender. Focusing on that has led to good performances on the field. Personally, I'm getting ambitious. Although I try not to show it, I am working hard with the World Cup as motivation."

Another advantage of Lee Ki-hyeok is his ability to play not only as a center-back but also as a full-back and even a midfielder. This year, Gangwon coach Jeong Kyung-ho, unlike before, primarily deployed Lee Ki-hyeok as a center-back to provide stability. However, depending on the situation, he can contribute to the team in various positions. Lee Ki-hyeok said, "Coach Jeong Kyung-ho assigns me different roles depending on the position. Each position has specific things to focus on. When playing as a central defender, I play simply and focus on defense. Since my kicking is a strength, I showcase that as a midfielder while also focusing on defense. This year, I've paid more attention to defense, which has led to many good moments."

His fitness is also at its peak. Last year, Lee Ki-hyeok faced some disappointment due to the aftermath of a stress fracture. However, this year, he has completely shaken it off. Gangwon is on an upward trend, currently sitting in 4th place with 16 points, thanks to their high pressing throughout the 90th minutes. Lee Ki-hyeok is also showing energetic play.

Lee Ki-hyeok said, "As the team's identity has aligned with our energy level, we are applying strong pressing. It seems other teams have not yet found a way to break through our press. When we start matches with strong pressing, I see opposing players getting flustered, and that gives our players a sense of enjoyment. It seems to be the driving force that allows us to run even more. As the team's identity has become clear, we are enjoying playing."

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*This content was translated by AI.