[Official] "Mittwilran asked Cho Gue-sung and Lee Han-beom" Behind the scenes of Hong Hyun-seok's loan move... "A humble and very diligent player"

*This content was translated by AI.

South Korean national team midfielder Hong Hyun-seok is embarking on a new challenge at Danish club Mittwilran after leaving German Bundesliga side Mainz. Cho Gue-sung and Lee Han-beom, who were part of Mittwilran's "Korean duo," also lent their support during Hong's transfer process.

Mittwilran officially announced on the 3rd (Korea time) via its club website that it has signed attacking midfielder Hong Hyun-seok on a one-season loan. Hong is expected to wear jersey number 20.

According to local media, the loan deal reportedly includes a full transfer option worth less than 1 million euros (approximately 15 billion won), contingent on Hong's performance this season. This opens the possibility for him to permanently join Mittwilran based on his contributions.

With this move, Hong Hyun-seok will now share the same team with South Korean national team striker Cho Gue-sung at Mittwilran. Lee Han-beom, who played as a starting center-back for South Korea in the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, also played for Mittwilran until last season before transferring to Belgian powerhouse Club Brugge this summer.

Danish media outlet Kampen reported on Hong's transfer, stating "Mittwilran has done it again."

The article highlighted the special bond between Mittwilran and South Korean players. It noted: "Mittwilran achieved great success in signing Cho Gue-sung and Lee Han-beom from Korea. Now they have brought in another Korean player, loaning Hong Hyun-seok, who previously played for Bundesliga side Mainz, until the end of the season."

Hong Hyun-seok, a product of Ulsan HD Youth in K League 1, was among the early South Koreans to pursue opportunities abroad. After stints at Austrian club LASK and Belgian side Gent, he joined Mainz in 2024, where former national teammate Lee Jae-song plays, making his debut in the German Bundesliga.

However, he failed to secure a firm position amid fierce competition for starting spots at Mainz. He continued on loan spells at French club Nantes and his former team Gent before returning to Mainz this summer and seeking a new destination.

It was Mittwilran that extended an offer to Hong Hyun-seok.

Mittwilran highly evaluated Hong's abilities. Christian Bach, Sports Director of Mittwilran, stated: "Hong Hyun-seok possesses extensive international experience and can play in multiple attacking positions on the field."

He added: "He is known for his high work rate and technical excellence. We expect him to bring both intensity and creativity to our matches."

Notably, positive assessments from Cho Gue-sung and Lee Han-beom also contributed to Hong's recruitment.

Sports Director Bach emphasized: "Hong Hyun-seok is humble and extremely diligent—qualities we value greatly."

He further explained: "Through Cho Gue-sung and Lee Han-beom, we learned that Hong is an excellent person who aligns well with the values Mittwilran strives to uphold."

Hong Hyun-seok also explained that Cho Gue-sung and Lee Han-beom significantly influenced his decision.

Through the club, Hong said: "I know Mittwilran is a major club that has been watching me for a long time. I heard many positive things about the club from both Cho Gue-sung and Lee Han-beom. This gave me confidence that Mittwilran is the right team for me."

Mittwilran recently faced a gap in its attacking resources after striker Mikkel Goos left due to injury. By signing Hong, who can play across various attacking positions, the club secured a new option to fill this void.

The team's goal is to reclaim the championship. After winning the Danish Superliga title in the 2023–2024 season, Mittwilran is determined to return to the top of the league once again.

Hong Hyun-seok also has clear objectives. He stated: "Since the team missed out on the title last season, we must aim for the championship this year. I also want to achieve the best possible results in the UEFA Conference League."

Having played 16 matches for the South Korean national A-team, Hong is recognized for his versatility across multiple positions and his exceptional work rate.

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*This content was translated by AI.