Korea Republic's 2022 World Cup Squad: Full List

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 49 views

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a thrilling tournament, and for fans of the Korea Republic national team, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. Securing a spot in the World Cup is a massive achievement, and the players selected to represent their nation carry the hopes and dreams of an entire country. In this article, we'll dive into the complete list of players who made up the Korea Republic squad for the 2022 World Cup. Understanding who these players are, their roles, and their contributions provides valuable insight into the team's performance and strategies during the tournament. Get ready to explore the squad that represented the Taegeuk Warriors on the world's biggest stage!

The selection process for a World Cup squad is never easy. The coach and his staff have to consider a multitude of factors, including current form, tactical fit, experience, and injury concerns. Balancing seasoned veterans with promising young talents is also crucial. The final 26-man squad (as was the allowance for 2022) represents the culmination of countless hours of scouting, analysis, and deliberation. Each player brings a unique set of skills and attributes to the team, and their collective performance determines the team's success. From the goalkeeper to the forwards, every position needs to be filled with quality and depth. The pressure on these players is immense, knowing that they are not only representing their country but also competing against the best players in the world. For many, it's the pinnacle of their careers.

Before we get into the specifics, it’s important to remember the context of the 2022 World Cup. Held in Qatar during November and December, it was the first World Cup to be played in the Northern Hemisphere's winter. This scheduling change presented unique challenges for teams in terms of player fitness and preparation. The Korea Republic, led by their coach, had to adapt their training regime to ensure that the players were in peak condition for the tournament. Furthermore, the competition was fierce, with powerhouse nations like Brazil, Argentina, and France all vying for the coveted trophy. The Korea Republic knew they faced a tough road ahead, but they were determined to make their mark on the world stage. With a blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young prospects, they believed they had the squad capable of causing upsets and progressing through the knockout stages. The support of their passionate fans fueled their ambition, as they aimed to create memorable moments and leave a lasting legacy.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeping position is arguably the most crucial in any football team. A reliable and experienced goalkeeper can be the difference between victory and defeat. For the 2022 World Cup, the Korea Republic had a solid trio of goalkeepers vying for the starting spot. Let's take a look at who they were:

Kim Seung-gyu: Kim Seung-gyu, a seasoned veteran, was the likely first-choice goalkeeper for the Korea Republic. Known for his excellent shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box, Kim brought a sense of calm and assurance to the team's defense. His experience playing in both domestic and international competitions made him a valuable asset. Kim's leadership and communication skills were also crucial in organizing the backline. He had the responsibility of not only making saves but also directing the defenders and ensuring they maintained their shape and discipline. In high-pressure situations, his experience was invaluable, providing a calming influence on the entire team. Kim's ability to read the game and anticipate danger made him a formidable opponent for any attacking player.
Jo Hyeon-woo: Jo Hyeon-woo, known for his heroics in previous international tournaments, provided strong competition for the starting role. Jo is renowned for his agility and reflexes, often making spectacular saves that defy belief. His performances in past World Cups and Asian Games had already cemented his place in the hearts of Korean football fans. Jo's ability to perform under pressure and his never-say-die attitude made him a valuable asset to the squad. He possesses a unique blend of athleticism and mental fortitude, allowing him to rise to the occasion when it matters most. Jo's presence in the squad not only provided competition for Kim Seung-gyu but also gave the team added depth and security in the goalkeeping department. Knowing that they had two top-quality goalkeepers available instilled confidence throughout the team.
Song Bum-keun: As a promising young talent, Song Bum-keun represented the future of Korean goalkeeping. While he may not have had as much international experience as Kim and Jo, Song possessed immense potential and a willingness to learn. His inclusion in the squad was a testament to his talent and the faith the coaching staff had in him. Song's strengths included his excellent distribution skills and his ability to play as a sweeper-keeper, comfortable coming off his line to intercept through balls. This modern style of goalkeeping added a new dimension to the team's defensive strategy. Although he may not have been the first choice, Song's presence in the squad provided valuable experience and exposure to the highest level of international football. He was able to learn from the seasoned veterans and prepare himself for a future role as the team's number one.

Defenders

A strong defense is the foundation of any successful team. The defenders are responsible for protecting the goal, preventing the opposition from scoring, and initiating attacks from the back. The Korea Republic's defensive lineup for the 2022 World Cup was a blend of experience and youth.

Kim Min-jae: Kim Min-jae is a towering center-back known for his physical presence and aerial prowess. His commanding performances in both domestic and European leagues had made him a key player for the national team. Kim's ability to win headers, make crucial tackles, and read the game made him an indispensable part of the defense. He formed a formidable partnership with other center-backs, providing a solid barrier against opposing attacks. Kim's leadership qualities were also evident, as he often took charge of organizing the defensive line and ensuring everyone was in the right position. His commitment and determination inspired his teammates, and he consistently led by example on the pitch.
Kim Young-gwon: Kim Young-gwon, a veteran defender with vast experience in international football, brought stability and leadership to the backline. His experience playing in multiple World Cups and other major tournaments made him a calming presence in the team. Kim's strengths included his tactical awareness, his ability to anticipate danger, and his composure under pressure. He was adept at making timely interceptions and clearances, preventing the opposition from creating scoring opportunities. Kim's partnership with Kim Min-jae formed the bedrock of the Korean defense, providing a solid and reliable foundation.
Hong Chul: Hong Chul, a versatile full-back capable of playing on either flank, provided width and attacking impetus to the team. His energy and stamina allowed him to bomb up and down the wings, delivering crosses and supporting the attack. Hong's defensive contributions were equally important, as he was a tenacious tackler and a diligent marker. He provided a vital link between the defense and the midfield, contributing to both the team's attacking and defensive phases of play.
Kim Jin-su: Kim Jin-su, another experienced full-back, offered a wealth of experience and defensive solidity. His ability to read the game and make timely interceptions made him a valuable asset to the team. Kim's defensive awareness and positioning were crucial in preventing the opposition from exploiting the flanks. He also possessed a good range of passing, allowing him to distribute the ball effectively from the back.
Kwon Kyung-won: Kwon Kyung-won provided additional cover in central defense. His inclusion offered tactical flexibility and depth to the squad.

Midfielders

The midfield is the engine room of any football team, responsible for controlling possession, dictating the tempo of the game, and creating scoring opportunities for the forwards. The Korea Republic's midfield for the 2022 World Cup was a dynamic blend of creative playmakers and industrious ball-winners.

Hwang In-beom: Hwang In-beom, a technically gifted midfielder, was the creative hub of the team. His ability to pick out a pass, dribble past opponents, and score goals from midfield made him a constant threat to the opposition. Hwang's vision and creativity unlocked defenses and created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates. He was also a tireless worker, contributing defensively by tracking back and winning tackles.
Jung Woo-young: Jung Woo-young, a defensive midfielder, provided steel and resilience to the midfield. His primary role was to shield the defense, win back possession, and break up opposition attacks. Jung's tackling ability, his positional sense, and his work rate made him an invaluable asset to the team. He allowed the more creative players in the team to focus on their attacking responsibilities, knowing that he was providing a solid defensive shield.
Lee Jae-sung: Lee Jae-sung, a versatile midfielder, was capable of playing in a variety of positions. His energy, his work rate, and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively made him a valuable squad player. Lee's tactical flexibility allowed the coach to deploy him in different roles depending on the needs of the team.
Kwon Chang-hoon: Kwon Chang-hoon offered creativity and attacking flair from midfield. His ability to dribble and shoot made him a threat in the final third.

Forwards

The forwards are the goalscorers, the players who are tasked with finding the back of the net and winning games for their team. The Korea Republic's forward line for the 2022 World Cup was led by their talismanic captain, Son Heung-min.

Son Heung-min: Son Heung-min, a world-class forward, was the undisputed star of the team. His pace, his dribbling ability, his shooting accuracy, and his clinical finishing made him one of the most feared attackers in the world. Son's ability to score goals from anywhere on the pitch made him a constant threat to the opposition. He was also a selfless player, always willing to work hard for the team and create opportunities for his teammates. Son's leadership and his inspirational performances made him the heart and soul of the Korea Republic team.
Hwang Hee-chan: Hwang Hee-chan, a dynamic and explosive forward, added pace and power to the attack. His ability to run at defenders, dribble past opponents, and score goals made him a valuable asset to the team. Hwang's directness and his willingness to take on defenders created space for his teammates and caused problems for the opposition defense.
Cho Gue-sung: Cho Gue-sung provided a physical presence and aerial threat upfront. His height and strength made him a target man and a valuable option in the box.

In conclusion, the Korea Republic's 2022 World Cup squad was a well-balanced team with a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents. While they faced tough competition, they represented their nation with pride and determination. The players on this list gave their all on the world stage, and their contributions will be remembered by Korean football fans for years to come.