'First in history,' Munich arrives in Jeju with Kim Min-jae to face K League 1 club... heartwarming fan service 'warm and fuzzy'

*This content was translated by AI.

German football powerhouse Bayern Munich has set foot in Jeju alongside South Korea's star center-back Kim Min-jae (30).

The Munich squad, led by manager Vincent Kompany, arrived at Jeju International Airport on the afternoon of the 2nd. This marks their first visit to Korea since 2024, two years later.

Munich will play a friendly match against K League 1's JejuSK at Jeju World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 4th as part of the Audi Football Summit 2026.

This tour was organized to strengthen the youth development partnership 'R&G (Red&Gold Football)' jointly promoted by Jeju, Munich, and Major League Soccer's LAFC in the United States.

This is the first time a European top club has held a friendly match in Jeju, not a major metropolitan city.

Earlier, Munich announced its 26-player tour roster, which includes Kim Min-jae at the forefront, along with German national team players Manuel Neuer, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanisic, Joshua Kimmich, Luis Diaz, Joao Palhinha, and Konrad Laimer. However, Harry Kane and Michael Olise, whose schedules for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America have been extended, as well as Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies, who require rehabilitation and individual training, will not participate.

According to Munich's social networking service (SNS), Kim Min-jae, along with Neuer, Kimmich, Diaz, and others, greeted fans at the airport by signing autographs and providing warm fan service.

Ahead of this visit to Korea, Ruben Kasper, Munich's executive in charge of marketing and sales, held a video interview with domestic media outlets and shared his views on the Korean market and the acquisition of Kim Min-jae.

Regarding the impact following Kim Min-jae's joining, Executive Kasper stated, "When acquiring players, skill and ability are the most critical factors; marketing or sales considerations come second." He added, "However, it is an undeniable fact that the fan base has grown rapidly since Kim Min-jae joined. With a thicker fan layer, commercial demand, including jersey sales, has increased significantly."

He also expressed his intention to cooperate with Korea's youth system. Executive Kasper emphasized, "I understand that Korea excels in youth development programs. A promising Jeju goalkeeper (Heo Jae-won) is currently undergoing Munich's training program. Regardless of Jeju's performance, cooperation in talent development will continue."

Explaining why Jeju was chosen as a pre-season tour destination, he said, "Its location is excellent, and visa-free entry makes it the best place for Asian fans to visit." He added, "We aim not just for a one-time event but to continuously expand our fanbase."

Meanwhile, Munich plans to hold an official press conference and open training on the 3rd, followed by a match against Jeju on the 4th. Afterward, they will travel to Hong Kong to continue their Asian tour.

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

*This content was translated by AI.