'Kim Min-jae's elite tutoring' while becoming a World Cup starter... Lee Ki-hyeok's perspective has changed: "My ambition has grown even bigger" [Jeonju on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

For Kangwon FC defender Lee Ki-hyeok (26), the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup was not the final destination of his dreams. Instead, it became the starting point toward an even bigger goal.

On the 4th, Lee Ki-hyeok reflected on the North American World Cup after Kangwon FC secured a 2-1 away victory against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Round 16 of Hana Bank K League 1 2026 at Jeonju World Cup Stadium.

Lee Ki-hyeok, who arrived through Incheon International Airport on the 1st, immediately made it onto the match roster. Although he could have rested, Kangwon head coach Jung Kyung-ho praised him as "something Lee Ki-hyeok took upon himself." As Kangwon took an early lead and won, Lee Ki-hyeok did not play excessively hard. However, by staying with his teammates and offering enthusiastic support from the bench, he contributed to the team's victory. Coach Jung expressed relief that having Lee Ki-hyeok, Kangwon's official "atmosphere maker," accompany them was a great boost in itself.

Lee Ki-hyeok explained, "I took it upon myself, and Coach Jung also needed me and called for me. I thought if my presence could help the team win, I should join immediately and do my best in the role given to me. That is why I came along. Although I did not play on the field, I wanted to contribute to the team."

After the difficult away victory against Jeonbuk, Lee Ki-hyeok also exchanged jokes with Coach Jung. He smiled and said, "Since I didn't play, I jokingly told Coach Jung, 'If it's going to be like this, please let me rest too,' and Coach Jung laughed back, calling me an 'atmosphere maker.' I felt good inside, and I think I helped change the atmosphere as well."

The North American World Cup was a special stage for Lee Ki-hyeok. Until just before the tournament, his A-match experience amounted to only one game. The possibility of participating in the World Cup did not appear high. However, Lee Ki-hyeok overturned everyone's expectations and surprisingly made it onto the final roster. Furthermore, he secured a starting position in the South Korean national team. Lee Ki-hyeok started all three group stage matches in A Group of the North American World Cup, playing alongside Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) and Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland).

Lee Ki-hyeok returned from the global stage with much to carry. He said, "I think I gained a bit more composure during the process of preparing for matches. Facing world-class players helped me shake off the pressure." He added, "There are many excellent players in the K League, but the World Cup stage carries heavier pressure, and there were parts where it was difficult to stop opponents. It was tough while preparing for the World Cup, but I think I have now let go of some of that burden."

Coach Jung said, "I think Lee Ki-hyeok might be the biggest beneficiary of this World Cup. Personally, he is a case of significant growth." He emphasized, "Actually, it is not easy to take the last bus to the World Cup and start in three matches. I have been to the World Cup myself but did not play on the field. However, for Lee Ki-hyeok to take the last bus and play in three matches is an incredible achievement."

Throughout the North American World Cup, Lee Ki-hyeok also received elite tutoring from "monster defender" Kim Min-jae. He showed enthusiasm by asking Kim Min-jae whenever he had questions, and Kim Min-jae in turn offered significant help for his junior.

Lee Ki-hyeok said, "Playing alongside Hyung-min-jae made it clear that there is a definite difference. Watching Hyung-min-jae, I realized I am still far from being a complete defender. So I worked hard to learn all of Hyung-min-jae's strengths." He added, "After matches, I would send him specific game footage and ask many questions. Hyung-min-jae gave feedback very well, so this World Cup was a tournament that helped me greatly. It seems to have been an opportunity for me to grow one step further," expressing his gratitude.

Of course, elimination in the group stage was a disappointing result. Lee Ki-hyeok said, "I feel fortunate that through this North American World Cup, I think I left at least a slightly better impression of the K League among fans. However, since it was a team-based World Cup stage, it would have been better if we had gone higher." He added, "It is very regrettable that we only played three group stage matches and returned."

Nevertheless, Lee Ki-hyeok's performance was impressive. According to the football statistics platform FootMob, Lee Ki-hyeok received the highest rating among South Korean defenders in both the first match against Czech Republic and the third match against South Africa in the group stage. In the South Africa match, he was the only one among the 11th South Korean starters to record a rating in the 7th-point range. At that time, Lee Ki-hyeok's rating was 7.5. After the Czech Republic match, the American media outlet RotoWire also praised him, stating, "Lee Ki-hyeok started as part of a back three alongside Kim Min-jae and Lee Han-beom, being the least known defender among them," yet added, "Nevertheless, he did more than his share."

Through the World Cup, Lee Ki-hyeok's dreams have also grown larger. He said, "I think I showed to some extent that I can succeed even in Europe. Personally, my ambition has grown significantly." He added, "If I do well, it could become a stepping stone to go out on overseas stages. I have set personal goals and should finish the remaining matches and season well."

He continued, "There is also the Asian Cup ahead, and there is the Asian Games stage to resolve military service issues. My ambition has grown significantly in these areas as well." He explained, "I will prepare by setting personal goals so that I can achieve everything I can do for the remaining season, while engaging in many exercises for development."

Now, Lee Ki-hyeok will focus again on Kangwon FC. Following their away victory against Jeonbuk, Kangwon continued a three-game winning streak and an unbeaten run in six matches. They have also climbed to second place in the standings, entering the race for the championship. Lee Ki-hyeok said, "It is not easy to play hard in hot weather. I watched the match from the bench, and I was impressed seeing my teammates running so hard for victory."

He continued, "If I get to play on the field, I want to put in a lot of fighting spirit from behind so as not to tire out my teammates' energy, and run one step further to help the team." He added, "The team atmosphere is too good. I will communicate a lot with my teammates to maintain this atmosphere, talk extensively with Coach Jung, and strive to achieve good results."

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*This content was translated by AI.