South Korea's 2022 World Cup Squad: Full List

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 46 views

The South Korea national football team, affectionately known as the Taegeuk Warriors, embarked on their journey to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with a squad brimming with talent, experience, and youthful exuberance. This article delves into the complete list of players who represented South Korea on the grandest stage of international football. Understanding the composition of this team offers valuable insights into the strategies, strengths, and overall performance of the nation in the tournament. So, let's dive in and explore the roster that carried the hopes of a nation!

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeping position is undeniably crucial in any football team. For the 2022 World Cup, South Korea entrusted this vital role to a trio of experienced and skilled shot-stoppers. These players were carefully selected not only for their abilities to make crucial saves but also for their command of the penalty area, distribution skills, and overall leadership qualities.

Kim Seung-gyu: Kim Seung-gyu, a seasoned veteran, brought a wealth of international experience to the squad. His shot-stopping ability, command of his area, and calming presence were vital assets for the Taegeuk Warriors. Kim's experience playing in various leagues across Asia and the Middle East provided a unique perspective and understanding of different playing styles, making him a well-rounded and reliable option between the posts. Beyond his technical skills, Kim's leadership qualities were also highly valued within the team. He acted as a mentor to the younger players and played a crucial role in organizing the defense, ensuring effective communication and coordination.
Jo Hyeon-woo: Jo Hyeon-woo, known for his agility and reflexes, has proven to be a formidable goalkeeper in crucial moments. His ability to make spectacular saves and his confidence in one-on-one situations made him a valuable asset to the team. Jo's performances in previous international tournaments and club competitions have earned him a reputation as a reliable and clutch performer. His dedication to training and his unwavering commitment to improving his skills have made him a respected figure among his teammates and coaches. Jo's presence in the squad provided healthy competition for the starting role, pushing Kim Seung-gyu to maintain his high level of performance.
Song Bum-keun: Song Bum-keun, a rising star in South Korean football, offered a glimpse into the future of goalkeeping for the nation. His inclusion in the squad was a testament to his potential and the faith the coaching staff had in his abilities. While he may not have had as much international experience as Kim and Jo, Song's raw talent, athleticism, and eagerness to learn made him a valuable addition to the team. His presence in the squad provided him with an invaluable opportunity to train alongside seasoned professionals and gain firsthand experience of the pressures and demands of international football. This exposure will undoubtedly contribute to his development and prepare him for a potentially prominent role in the national team in the years to come.

Defenders

A solid defense is the bedrock of any successful football team. South Korea's defensive lineup for the 2022 World Cup was a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, all united by their commitment to protecting their goal and thwarting the opposition's attacks. These defenders were chosen not only for their tackling prowess and aerial ability but also for their tactical awareness, positional sense, and ability to contribute to the team's attacking play.

Kim Min-jae: Kim Min-jae, a towering center-back, is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Asia. His imposing presence, strength in the air, and ability to read the game made him a formidable opponent for any attacker. Kim's performances in the Italian Serie A solidified his reputation as a world-class defender, and his leadership qualities were also evident on the pitch. His ability to organize the defense, win crucial headers, and make timely tackles were essential to South Korea's defensive stability. Kim's presence instilled confidence in his teammates and provided a sense of security at the back.
Kim Young-gwon: Kim Young-gwon, another experienced center-back, provided stability and leadership to the defensive line. His understanding of the game, tactical awareness, and ability to anticipate danger made him a reliable presence in the heart of the defense. Kim's experience playing in numerous international tournaments and club competitions has honed his defensive skills and made him a valuable asset to the team. His composure under pressure and his ability to make crucial interceptions were vital to South Korea's defensive efforts.
Kim Jin-su: Kim Jin-su, a versatile left-back, is known for his energetic performances and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His pace, crossing ability, and willingness to track back made him a valuable asset on the left flank. Kim's ability to deliver accurate crosses into the box and his defensive work rate were crucial to South Korea's attacking and defensive balance. His experience playing in various leagues across Asia and Europe has broadened his understanding of different playing styles and made him a well-rounded player.
Hong Chul: Hong Chul, another reliable left-back option, provided experience and stability to the defense. His defensive awareness, tackling ability, and ability to read the game made him a valuable asset in shutting down opposing attacks. Hong's experience playing in numerous international tournaments and club competitions has honed his defensive skills and made him a dependable presence on the left flank. His composure under pressure and his ability to make timely interceptions were vital to South Korea's defensive solidity.
Kwon Kyung-won: Kwon Kyung-won, a versatile defender capable of playing in multiple positions, provided tactical flexibility to the squad. His ability to play as a center-back or a defensive midfielder made him a valuable asset in different game situations. Kwon's defensive awareness, tackling ability, and ability to read the game made him a reliable option in both defensive roles. His versatility and adaptability made him a valuable asset to the team.
Cho Yu-min: Cho Yu-min, a young and promising center-back, offered a glimpse into the future of South Korean defense. His inclusion in the squad was a testament to his potential and the faith the coaching staff had in his abilities. While he may not have had as much international experience as the other defenders, Cho's raw talent, athleticism, and eagerness to learn made him a valuable addition to the team. His presence in the squad provided him with an invaluable opportunity to train alongside seasoned professionals and gain firsthand experience of the pressures and demands of international football.
Yoon Jong-gyu: Yoon Jong-gyu, a right-back known for his pace and attacking instincts, added dynamism to the South Korean defense. His ability to bomb forward and deliver crosses made him a valuable asset in the team's attacking play. Yoon's defensive work rate and tackling ability were also crucial in shutting down opposing wingers. His energy and enthusiasm made him a valuable asset to the team.
Kim Tae-hwan: Kim Tae-hwan, another right-back option, provided experience and solidity to the defense. His defensive awareness, tackling ability, and ability to read the game made him a reliable presence on the right flank. Kim's experience playing in numerous international tournaments and club competitions has honed his defensive skills and made him a dependable player.

Midfielders

The midfield is the engine room of any football team, responsible for controlling the tempo of the game, winning possession, and creating scoring opportunities. South Korea's midfield contingent for the 2022 World Cup was a dynamic mix of technically gifted players, tireless workhorses, and creative playmakers. These midfielders were selected not only for their passing range, dribbling skills, and tackling ability but also for their tactical intelligence, positional awareness, and ability to contribute to both the attacking and defensive phases of the game.

Jung Woo-young: Jung Woo-young, a defensive midfielder, is the anchor of the South Korean midfield. His ability to break up opposition attacks, win tackles, and distribute the ball effectively made him a vital cog in the team's defensive structure. Jung's experience playing in various leagues across Asia and the Middle East has honed his defensive skills and made him a seasoned campaigner. His leadership qualities and his ability to read the game made him a valuable asset to the team. Jung's presence allowed the more attacking-minded midfielders to express themselves freely, knowing that he was providing a solid defensive shield.
Hwang In-beom: Hwang In-beom, a central midfielder, is known for his technical ability, passing range, and vision. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game, create scoring opportunities, and contribute defensively made him a key player in the South Korean midfield. Hwang's performances in the Russian Premier League have showcased his talent and made him a sought-after player. His ability to unlock defenses with his incisive passing and his willingness to track back and defend made him a valuable asset to the team.
Lee Jae-sung: Lee Jae-sung, an attacking midfielder, is known for his creativity, dribbling skills, and eye for goal. His ability to create scoring opportunities, take on defenders, and score goals made him a dangerous player in the final third. Lee's performances in the German Bundesliga have showcased his attacking prowess and made him a key player in the South Korean attack. His ability to link up with the forwards and his willingness to run at defenders made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Kwon Chang-hoon: Kwon Chang-hoon, another attacking midfielder, provided creativity and flair to the South Korean midfield. His dribbling skills, passing range, and eye for goal made him a valuable asset in unlocking opposition defenses. Kwon's ability to create scoring opportunities and his willingness to take risks made him a dangerous player in the final third. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple positions across the midfield and attack.
Son Jun-ho: Son Jun-ho, a central midfielder, provided energy and dynamism to the South Korean midfield. His work rate, tackling ability, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively made him a valuable asset to the team. Son's ability to win back possession and his willingness to run all day made him a key player in the team's engine room. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple positions across the midfield.
Paik Seung-ho: Paik Seung-ho, a versatile midfielder capable of playing in multiple positions, provided tactical flexibility to the squad. His ability to play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, or attacking midfielder made him a valuable asset in different game situations. Paik's technical ability, passing range, and tackling ability made him a reliable option in various midfield roles. His versatility and adaptability made him a valuable asset to the team.

Forwards

The forwards are the spearhead of any football team, tasked with scoring goals and leading the attack. South Korea's forward line for the 2022 World Cup was spearheaded by world-class talents and supported by hardworking and determined players. These forwards were selected not only for their goal-scoring ability, pace, and dribbling skills but also for their tactical awareness, work rate, and ability to create chances for their teammates.

Son Heung-min: Son Heung-min, the captain of the South Korean national team, is a world-class forward known for his pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing. His ability to score goals from anywhere on the pitch made him the talisman of the team. Son's performances in the English Premier League have cemented his status as one of the best players in the world. His leadership qualities, his work ethic, and his unwavering determination made him an inspiration to his teammates. Son's presence in the team instilled confidence and provided a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Hwang Hee-chan: Hwang Hee-chan, a versatile forward, is known for his pace, power, and dribbling skills. His ability to take on defenders, create scoring opportunities, and score goals made him a valuable asset in the South Korean attack. Hwang's performances in the English Premier League have showcased his attacking prowess and made him a key player in the team's forward line. His ability to play as a winger or a center-forward made him a valuable asset to the team.
Cho Gue-sung: Cho Gue-sung, a center-forward, is known for his aerial ability, hold-up play, and goal-scoring instincts. His ability to win headers, hold up the ball, and finish chances made him a valuable asset in the South Korean attack. Cho's physical presence and his ability to link up with the midfielders made him a valuable focal point in the team's attacking play. His goal-scoring ability and his willingness to work hard made him a valuable asset to the team.
Hwang Ui-jo: Hwang Ui-jo, another center-forward option, provided experience and goal-scoring threat to the South Korean attack. His ability to find space, finish chances, and link up with the midfielders made him a valuable asset in the team's attacking play. Hwang's experience playing in various leagues across Asia and Europe has honed his goal-scoring skills and made him a seasoned campaigner. His composure in front of goal and his ability to make intelligent runs made him a valuable asset to the team.
Na Sang-ho: Na Sang-ho, a winger, provided pace and creativity to the South Korean attack. His ability to take on defenders, deliver crosses, and create scoring opportunities made him a valuable asset in the team's attacking play. Na's speed and dribbling skills made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. His ability to play on either wing made him a valuable asset to the team.

Conclusion

The South Korea 2022 World Cup squad represented a blend of experience, youth, and talent. Each player brought unique skills and qualities to the team, contributing to their overall performance in the tournament. While the Taegeuk Warriors' journey in Qatar may have had its ups and downs, the dedication, passion, and commitment of these players were undeniable. This squad will be remembered for their fighting spirit, their teamwork, and their unwavering desire to represent their nation with pride. The experience gained in the 2022 World Cup will undoubtedly serve as a valuable foundation for the future of South Korean football. This detailed look at the squad provides a comprehensive understanding of the players who carried the hopes of a nation on the world's biggest stage.