"Lee Kang-in Official: This is the level of effort required." Unprecedented dedication from Atlético Madrid, days of coordination for simultaneous Seoul-Madrid announcement... Even a massive digital billboard was displayed

*This content was translated by AI.

This is unprecedented dedication. Spanish powerhouse Atlético Madrid went to extraordinary lengths to announce the signing of South Korea national team ace Lee Kang-in (25).

Spanish outlet AS reported on the 25th (Korean time) that "continuous coordination between Seoul and Madrid was required before Atlético could officially announce the signing of Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in," revealing behind-the-scenes details surrounding the official announcement.

Atlético officially announced the signing of Lee Kang-in via its club SNS on this day. The contract runs until June 2031. Lee Kang-in received the team's iconic number 7 jersey, symbolizing its ace player. He also occupies one of the European Union (EU) non-member nation quota slots.

According to local reports, Lee Kang-in's transfer fee is a base 35 million euros (approximately 58 billion won) with additional options attached.

Lee Kang-in's move to Atlético was reportedly finalized about a month ago. However, only rumors of an imminent transfer circulated, while the club's official announcement remained absent, raising numerous questions.

The reason for the delayed official announcement was clear. Atlético had been meticulously preparing to announce Lee Kang-in's signing in a perfect and spectacular manner.

Lee Kang-in's move to Atlético was officially announced at 5 p.m. Korean time and 10 a.m. local Madrid time on this day. AS stated, "At that moment, Atlético formalized the previously unofficial reports of signing the South Korean player."

It further explained, "This announcement was a project perfectly synchronizing the time zones of two countries separated by over 10,000 kilometers," adding, "At the moment of the announcement, attention from both Korea and Spain focused entirely on Lee Kang-in wearing Atlético's red-and-white jersey."

The media outlet also revealed that "Atlético's creative agency, 'Mr. Red,' coordinated announcement timing and related tasks between Seoul and Madrid for several days." All content was thoroughly prepared and synchronized to be released simultaneously in both cities.

Lee Kang-in's official announcement extended beyond the club's SNS and online channels. A video of Lee Kang-in wearing an Atlético jersey also appeared on a massive digital billboard installed on the exterior wall of Seoul Gwanghwamun Dong-A Media Center. This approximately 3,000-square-meter billboard is one of Korea's largest media facilities, allowing viewers to see the display from three directions.

AS reported that "when the video appeared on the billboard, both vehicles and pedestrians stopped in their tracks." It added, "Everyone looked up at the Lee Kang-in in an Atlético jersey displayed on Korea's largest-scale digital billboard. Finally, the long-awaited moment had arrived," capturing the atmosphere.

The official video was equally spectacular. Lee Kang-in, wearing an Atlético jersey, appeared at the home stadium, Metropolitano Stadium, showcasing his signature celebration and passing skills. To announce Lee Kang-in's signing, Atlético separately produced five videos utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This was to depict Lee Kang-in, who had not yet moved to Madrid, appearing in various locations including the Metropolitano Stadium.

The medical examination was also conducted in an unprecedented manner. Previously, instead of having Lee Kang-in travel to Spain, Atlético sent its team physician and head of medical services, Dr. Jose Maria Villalon, directly to Korea. Dr. Villalon completed all necessary procedures for the transfer by conducting Lee Kang-in's physical examination in Korea.

However, AS emphasized that Lee Kang-in is a player worthy of such extensive efforts. The media outlet stated, "He is a player deserving this level of dedication," and introduced him as "a top football star who has established himself through his performances at Valencia and Mallorca (both in Spain) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG·France)."

It further added, "Lee Kang-in won the UEFA Champions League (UCL) with PSG for two consecutive seasons recently."

Atlético's interest in Lee Kang-in is not new. The club first attempted to sign him in 2023 while he was playing for Mallorca. They tried again in January of this year but were unsuccessful.

AS explained, "Atlético attempted to sign Lee Kang-in in both 2023 and last January," noting that "after two failed attempts, they finally succeeded on their third try."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.