Korean soccer has produced outstanding goalkeepers from generation to generation. They have secured the national team's goal. In particular, Kim Seung-gyu (34) and Jo Hyeon-woo (33) of Ulsan HD have made great contributions to the national team's increasing competitiveness over the past decade.

As Kim Seung-gyu and Cho Hyun-woo are in their mid-30s, they need to find a successor. While Song Bum-keun (27, Shonan Belmare) and Lee Chang-keun (31, Daejeon Hana Citizen) are in the competition, Kim Joon-hong (21, Kim Cheon-bu) stands out the most among young goalkeepers.

Kim Joon-hong gained recognition by playing a leading role in the semifinals of the 2023 U-20 World Cup in Argentina. He was named to the A team at the U-20 World Cup, and has continued to grow in Gimcheon this season.

The driving force behind Kim's growth was joining the military in Sangmu. After joining Jeonbuk Hyundai in the 2021 season, he played only four games (one run) during the two seasons, but since joining the military in Sangmu in the 2023 season, he has rapidly grown by competing with outstanding players. Although it is difficult to become a starting member at an early age due to the nature of his goalkeeper's position, he has continued to play in five games (three runs) this season, following eight games (six runs) last season. In the process, he has also narrowed the gap with his peers Kim Jung-hoon (23, Jeonbuk Hyundai) and Baek Jong-beom (23, FC Seoul).

Kim Joon-hong said, "Training with good competitors in Jeonbuk and Gimcheon helped me greatly to grow. In particular, through (Kim) Seung-gyu and (Cho) Hyun-woo, I realized that location selection is as important as good defense," looking back on the past year.

Kim Joon-hong has nurtured his growth with his seniors, but his biggest idol is his father, Incheon United goalkeeper coach Kim Yi-seop (50). Kim, who played in 217 K-League matches (257 goals lost), is considered successful both as a player and as a leader. "My father cautiously advises me that I should respect the goalkeeper coaches of my team. However, my father's presence gives me great strength as we both play in the same position and share concerns outside of the game."

Kim will return to Jeonbuk after being discharged from the military on July 15, but he still has to compete for the starting lineup for his team and the national team. Although he still has a lot to overcome, he envisions a bright future day by day. "I have to focus on myself before my competitors because I only have one seat for the goalkeeper. I want to absorb the strengths of my leaders and seniors and become a better player than them," Kim said.

BY: 메이저 토토사이트

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