"Kim Min-jae needs five more bodyguards to move around" — Munich stunned by warm Korean fan welcome; 'Hero of Korea' present even without Kane

*This content was translated by AI.

German powerhouse Bayern Munich began its Asian tour amid a fervent welcome from Korean football fans. Club officials were also surprised by the immense attention directed at "monster defender" Kim Min-jae (30).

German media outlet Suddeutsche Zeitung reported on the 2nd (Korean time) that "Munich received an enthusiastic reception in Asia," adding, "Manuel Neuer was greeted by cheering fans and countless Bayern jerseys as soon as he arrived at Jeju Airport."

It further described the scene, noting that "at the players' hotel, fans continued to line up for autographs from Munich stars, including Kim Min-jae, who is an idol in Korea."

The Munich squad, led by coach Vincent Kompany, arrived at Jeju International Airport on the 2nd.

Munich is scheduled to play a pre-season friendly against K League 1's JejuSK at Jeju World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 4th. The match was arranged as part of the "R&G Partnership," involving Jeju, Munich, and Major League Soccer (MLS) club LAFC.

Munich's visit to Korea comes two years after their last trip in 2024. The enthusiasm from Korean fans toward the squad remained strong.

A large crowd gathered at Jeju Airport, erupting into cheers and applause as the Munich players appeared at the arrival hall. Fans held out jerseys and memorabilia, requesting autographs. Munich players, including Kim Min-jae, responded to the warm reception with autograph sessions and photo opportunities.

Suddeutsche Zeitung reiterated, "Munich, the most decorated team in Germany's Bundesliga, received an enthusiastic welcome in Korea's Jeju."

Earlier, Munich announced a 26-player roster for the Jeju match. Names included Kim Min-jae, captain Manuel Neuer, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanišić, Joshua Kimmich, Luis Díaz, and Konrad Laimer.

Conversely, players currently on vacation following the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America were excluded from the Korea tour roster. Striker Harry Kane, along with Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano, did not join this tour.

Moroccan striker Ismaila Sarr, who joined Munich this summer for a transfer fee of 50 million euros (approximately 83 billion won), remained in Germany due to injury. Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala are also undergoing rehabilitation.

Although there were concerns that the absence of several superstars might dampen the tour's excitement, Korean fans warmly welcomed the Munich squad.

At the center of it all was Kim Min-jae, a key defender for the South Korean national team. A massive crowd gathered around Jeju Airport and near the players' hotel to catch a glimpse of Kim Min-jae.

Ruben Kasper, Munich's marketing director, commented on the attention toward Kim Min-jae: "Kim Min-jae is a hero in Korea," adding, "We had to assign five additional security personnel just to allow him to move around here."

Suddeutsche Zeitung also noted, "The fact that the Munich squad includes Korean football star Kim Min-jae has further intensified interest across Korea."

Kim Min-jae joined Munich after leading Napoli to the Italian Serie A title in 2023. In the 2025–2026 season, he appeared in 34 Bundesliga matches and 14 UEFA Champions League (UCL) games, contributing to Munich's league championship, UCL quarterfinal appearance, and DFB-Pokal victory.

After the friendly against Jeju, Munich will travel to Hong Kong to continue its Asian tour schedule.

Recently, German clubs have been actively undertaking overseas tours during their off-season. After last season concluded, RB Leipzig visited South Africa, and Borussia Dortmund traveled to Tokyo, Japan, this summer. In September, another Bundesliga club, Paderborn, will head to the United States.

Director Kasper stated, "We would be very pleased if more Bundesliga clubs visit abroad," emphasizing that "this is absolutely necessary."

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*This content was translated by AI.