Lee Gi-hyuk a Surprise Inclusion in South Korea's World Cup Squad

By Yoo Jee-ho

SEOUL, May 18 (Yonhap) -- Of the 26 players named to South Korea's FIFA World Cup squad Saturday, none was a bigger surprise than Gangwon FC defender Lee Gi-hyuk.

The 25-year-old had just one cap under his belt and that came in July 2022 at an East Asian tournament often played without national team mainstays. But national team head coach Hong Myung-bo and his staff had kept close tabs on Lee's development this season in the K League 1. With Lee playing an integral role in Gangwon's emergence as a stingy defense, Hong selected the versatile defender for the big tournament.

Before departing for Salt Lake City, Utah, on Monday evening for pre-World Cup training camp, Lee said he will try to reward Hong for his faith in him.

"At the start of the season, I set myself pretty lofty goals, and I've been checking off boxes along the way," Lee told reporters at Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul. "And I even have bigger goals now. I am sure coach Hong picked me for a reason and I will try to keep playing at a high level at the World Cup."

Lee is the rare left-footed center back for South Korea, but Hong said Saturday he liked Lee's ability to play as defensive midfielder and even as left fullback.

For his part, Lee said he wants to develop into a player who can play whatever position he's asked to handle.

"I've mostly played as center back this year but I want to be able to play well at any position," Lee said. "I've been trying to become a steadier defender this year and I think I've accomplished that in the K League. Now I have to prove myself and avoid mistakes on a bigger stage. I believe my strengths will continue to shine if I can maintain my steady play on the defensive end."

Lee had also been selected for international duty in November 2024 under Hong. The call-up came during the World Cup qualifying tournament and Lee didn't end up playing any of the two matches during that window.

"I don't think I got to show what I am really capable of back then, because I was too nervous," Lee said. "My father told me not to get carried away with emotions this time and just try to do everything I want to do. I will try to blend in with the guys as quickly as possible, and that will allow me to show the kind of player that I can be."

South Korea's first group stage match will be June 11 against Czechia. The Taegeuk Warriors will train in Salt Lake City until June 4 and will play two friendlies while there -- against Trinidad and Tobago on May 30 and against El Salvador on June 3, both at BYU South Field in Provo, Utah, on the campus of Brigham Young University.