Singer Kim Jung-min's Son Shines in Japan National Team at U-17 Asian Cup

Recognized as a Next-Generation Star Midfielder in Japan
Active in the Japan National Team with Dual Korean and Japanese Citizenship

Singer Kim Jung-min's (57) second son Kim Do-yoon (17, Japanese name Dani Daichi) is gaining significant attention in both South Korea and Japan for his performance in the Japan U-17 national soccer team. He is currently participating in the 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-17 Asian Cup held in Saudi Arabia as a member of the Japan U-17 team.

Dani Daichi, a next-generation midfielder attracting attention in Japan, is the second child of singer Kim Jung-min, who married in 2006, and his Japanese wife Dani Rumiko. Holding dual nationality, he played for Osan Middle School, a youth team under K League 1's FC Seoul, before going to Japan to study abroad. JTBC '뭉쳐야 찬다'

On the 8th, Japanese media Soccer Digest reported that Japan drew 1-1 against Vietnam in the second match of Group B in the tournament held at Okaz Stadium in Taif, Saudi Arabia. The report also mentioned that Dani Daichi, who belongs to the youth team of the Japanese professional soccer J2 League club Sagan Tosu, was included in the substitute list. Dani Daichi, a next-generation midfielder attracting attention in Japan, is the second child of singer Kim Jung-min, who married in 2006, and his Japanese wife Dani Rumiko. Holding dual nationality, he played for Osan Middle School, a youth team under K League 1 club FC Seoul, before going to Japan for studies.

Soccer Digest explained Dani's choice of Japan by stating, "He sought a higher level and found a new base at a J League club academy in his third year of middle school." Dani told the media, "I wanted to go to Japan. If I were to transfer, I thought the strongest team would be best. So I chose Sagan Tosu, who had won at that time."

Dani is evaluated as a next-generation star in Japan, known for his fast dribbling and sharp passes that lead the team's attack as a midfielder. In the first match of the U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers last October against Nepal, he drew attention by scoring four goals alone. He continued to impress by scoring in consecutive matches against Mongolia and Qatar. In February last year, recognizing his talent, he was selected as a member of the 'JFA Adidas Dream Road' project conducted by the Japan Football Association (JFA) and Adidas Japan, and went to study in Mexico.

However, in the main tournament, he had to endure disappointment by staying on the bench for two consecutive matches. Japan U-17 head coach Nozomi Hiroyama said about Dani Daichi, "He is a type not present in the national team. Although he has challenges, he has qualities that other players do not, which is interesting, and I hope he grows." There is also interest in whether Dani will play in a match against Korea, his father's homeland. Currently, Japan has not secured advancement to the quarterfinals after drawing with Vietnam. If both Japan and Korea advance from the group stage, they could meet in the semifinals or finals according to the tournament bracket.