Yang Min-hyuk of K League 1 Gangwon FC, who wore the national flag as a high school student, empties his mind and waits for the selection of the national team during the A-match (match between national teams) in October.
Yang Min-hyuk played full-time in a home game (1-1 draw) against Daegu FC in the 32nd round of Hana Bank’s K League 1 2024 at Gangneung Stadium on the 28th.
Yang Min-hyuk, who has nine goals and five assists in the league this year during his professional debut season, failed to score an offensive point on the day.
The regret is even greater because Hong Myung-bo, who leads the national team, visited the site to check the physical condition and performance of the players, including himself.
Coach Hong will hold a press conference at the Korea Football Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 30th and announce the list of players to participate in the third and fourth Asian qualifiers for the 2026 North-China World Cup.
Yang Min-hyuk was called by national team coach Hong Myung-bo ahead of the A-match period in September.
Yang Min-hyuk, who ranked 13th in the selection of the youngest national team at the age of 18 years and 132 days, could have ranked 5th in his youngest A match debut if he played at least one of the two consecutive A matches in September.
However, he failed to play in all of the third qualifying games for the North-China World Cup against Palestine and Oman.
Yang Min-hyuk, who is dreaming of participating in the A-match, told Yonhap News after the match with Daegu on the same day, “Of course, I’m sorry that I couldn’t play in the A-match in September. However, I have time left, so I’m not in a hurry and preparing for the next opportunity.” 먹튀검증
“I have to show better performances. Then I think I’ll have a chance to enjoy it,” he said. “I think we have to wait and see. That’s all coach Hong Myung-bo’s choice.”
Unlike the high school league, Yang Min-hyuk, who is experiencing a professional stage with a large number of games for the first time, expressed confidence, saying, “I feel tired in the second half of the season, but I’m not in a bad condition.”
“Playing in the game itself is something I’m grateful for. I’m doing my best in every game,” he said.
Before the match, Gangwon coach Yoon Jung-hwan encouraged Yang, saying, “I know many people want Minhyuk to play. I think Minhyuk has that motivation.”
“I don’t know what will happen because the national team has to win now,” he added, “I don’t think (head coach Hong Myung-bo) will make a big change, but I’m not sure.”
In Gangwon Province, there is another player who is likely to be selected as a member of the national team other than Yang Min-hyuk. He is fullback Hwang Moon-ki, who participated in the A-match in September.
Hwang Moon-ki showed off his elaborate kick skills by scoring a picturesque free kick goal in front of head coach Hong Myung-bo.
After the game, Hwang said he was not separately conscious of the existence of coach Hong Myung-bo.
“I think it’s more important to work hard and do my best in my team than the national team. I didn’t care that Coach Hong came to see me,” he said. “It’s my job as a player and my sense of professionalism to do my best in the Gangwon game.”
