Singer Kim Jungmin Says "Son Kim Doyoon to Play in U-17 World Cup"... Dramatic Selection for Japan National Team

Announces Selection to Japan U-17 National Team via Social Media
Future Nationality Choice Still Open as a Youth Player

Kim Jungmin's second son, Kim Doyoon (17, Japanese name Daichi Tani), has been selected as a player for the Japan U-17 national football team. On October 23, Kim Jungmin shared the news of his son's selection for the Japan U-17 national team via social media, expressing his support by saying, "Dad and Mom are always cheering for you. Go out and show the world who you are. We love you."

Kim Jungmin's son Kim Doyoon (left) and Kim Jungmin. Photo by Kim Jungmin Instagram

Previously, on October 22, Japanese football media outlet "Gekisaka" also reported on Kim Doyoon's additional selection to the Japan U-17 squad. Initially, Kim Doyoon was not included in the final roster for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup announced by the Japan Football Association. However, after one of the forwards was injured and became unable to participate in the World Cup, Kim Doyoon was chosen as a replacement. Through his club, Kim Doyoon commented, "I am very happy to be selected for the Japan U-17 national team. I will do my best to perform well this time as well. Please support me."

Born in 2008, Kim Doyoon is the second son of Kim Jungmin and Japanese national Rumiko Tani, and holds dual citizenship in Korea and Japan. He began playing football in Korea, progressing through the football teams of Sinjeong Elementary School and Osan Middle School, which is the youth team of FC Seoul. In 2023, he transferred to the youth team of Sagan Tosu in Japan. Previously, in a media interview, Kim Jungmin stated, "My children have two passports. From birth, they have two home countries," and added, "There are some misunderstandings, but there is no preference for Korea or Japan for my children."

Kim Jungmin further explained, "Japan gave him the opportunity first. He is not a professional yet, just a youth player, so we don't know how the nationality choice will turn out. It's not something you can do just because you want to play for the senior national team. It's harder than reaching for the stars. In the end, I think he should play for the team that gives him the best opportunity. As always, Doyoon is working hard toward his future. Please give him your support." In addition to Kim Doyoon, Kim Jungmin's first son, Kim Taeyang, and third son, Kim Damyul, are also known to be football players.