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Son Heung-min encouraging players during the Round of 16 match between South Korea and Brazil at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] The South Korean national football team achieved the remarkable feat of advancing to the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup for the first time in 12 years. This was the result of head coach Paulo Bento leading the team steadfastly with his convictions over the past four years. Additionally, the captain Son Heung-min (30, Tottenham) and veteran players, who played central roles based on their rich experience and leadership, were a great source of strength.

Since Coach Bento's appointment, Son Heung-min has served as captain, demonstrating his presence both on and off the field to unite the squad. From the Asian qualifiers for the World Cup, he helped new players quickly adapt to the national team with his unique affability.

In this tournament as well, Son Heung-min shared his experience with younger players who had no World Cup experience and created a comfortable atmosphere. Despite suffering an orbital fracture injury just before the tournament, he wore a mask and played full-time in all four World Cup matches, providing strong motivation to the team.

"I will give my all and dedicate myself until the country no longer needs me."

Alongside Son Heung-min, veteran players such as Kim Young-gwon (32, Ulsan), Jung Woo-young (33, Al Sadd), and Kim Seung-gyu (32, Al Shabab) also played pivotal roles in the team. Although senior members, they threw themselves into every crisis situation with fighting spirit.

Four years from now, the players who played key roles in Qatar will all be in their mid-30s. Son Heung-min said, "I will prepare and dedicate myself fully until the country no longer needs me," leaving open the possibility of participating in the next World Cup. However, now that the Qatar World Cup has been successfully completed, it is time to find new leaders who can anchor the team.

In the 2022 Qatar World Cup Group H third match, the South Korean national team secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Portugal, confirming their advancement to the round of 16. From left to right: Hwang In-beom (first on the left), Hwang Hee-chan (second on the left), and Kim Min-jae (right). Photo by Yonhap News.

The first candidate to become the defensive cornerstone of the South Korean national team is Kim Min-jae (26, Napoli). Kim Min-jae already possesses skills recognized even in Europe. He showed exceptional leadership by loudly directing even the captain Son Heung-min on the field. If he maintains his current form, Kim Min-jae could become the new leader of the national team.

Hwang In-beom (26, Olympiacos) and Hwang Hee-chan (26, Wolverhampton) are also other candidates of the same age. Both have honed their skills over a long time on the European stage and gained abundant experience. Their significant World Cup experience will also be a great asset to the national team going forward.

Lee Kang-in dribbling during the Round of 16 match between South Korea and Brazil at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Photo by Yonhap News

The importance of Lee Kang-in (21, Mallorca), who participated as the youngest player in this tournament, is also expected to grow. Having appeared in all four matches as both a starter and substitute, Lee Kang-in successfully completed his first World Cup and still has plenty of room to develop.

In the second group stage match against Ghana, Lee Kang-in actively engaged by encouraging the crowd's support in the final moments and strongly protesting to the referee after the match, showing qualities befitting a leader. If Lee Kang-in continues to perform well, the center of the South Korean national team is expected to naturally shift to him.