Director Jung Kyung-ho "If you are satisfied, there is no growth" towards Lee Ki-hyuk

"If you are satisfied, it's the end" The advice Coach Jung Kyung-ho gave to Lee Ki-hyuk

Gangwon FC's defensive core, Lee Ki-hyuk, has returned after playing on the grand stage of the World Cup. Selected for the final roster of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, he secured his position as a center-back for the national team, starting in all three group stage matches. This is an exceptional achievement for a player who had only one A-match experience prior to this.

Lee Ki-hyuk's presence was also distinct in the league. As Gangwon FC recorded the fewest goals conceded in the league (11), Lee led the team's defense by demonstrating excellent defensive skills, accurate kicking, and versatility in playing multiple positions.

Coach Jung Kyung-ho, who observed his student's transformation most closely, highly praised Lee Ki-hyuk's growth. Meeting ahead of the match against FC Seoul on the 12th, Coach Jung spoke about Lee. "It was amazing. It reminded me of when I was struggling to make the squad for the 2006 Germany World Cup," Jung recalled.

He continued, "Catching the last bus and starting in three consecutive matches means there is a better future ahead than now." Coach Jung added that Lee Ki-hyuk has grown and changed tremendously, noting that even the look in his eyes has changed.

However, Coach Jung hopes that Lee Ki-hyuk does not settle for his current achievements. His philosophy is that "the moment you are satisfied, there is no more growth." Coach Jung wants Lee to fully internalize the World Cup experience and has focused on mental management so that he can stay focused on the game without being overly excited during his return match.

Selection as an Asian Games Wildcard, the goals are Gold Medal and 'Original Intention'

Lee Ki-hyuk's value has risen sharply following the World Cup. In recognition of his performance at the World Cup, he has also been named as a wildcard for the upcoming 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September. The conversation Coach Jung and Lee Ki-hyuk shared over a meal last winter has become a reality.

Coach Jung said, "While having a meal with Ki-hyuk last winter, we talked about many things," and added, "We even discussed the World Cup and the Asian Games wildcard. As his goals are being achieved one by one, the player is also very satisfied."

The coach's gaze is already on the next step. Coach Jung applied a strict standard to Lee, saying, "If you don't show desperation, you will be criticized. You must express it well on the pitch." He appears to be wary that the heightened expectations following the World Cup could potentially become a poison.

Coach Jung stated that winning a gold medal at the Asian Games would serve as a stepping stone for a greater leap in Lee Ki-hyuk's career. "If he wins a gold medal at the Asian Games, even better results will come for Ki-hyuk," he added.

"I hope he finds his original intention through the league" Coach Jung Kyung-ho's coaching method

The task ahead is the 'original intention.' Coach Jung urged, "The mindset before going to the World Cup and the mindset before the Asian Games will be completely different. I hope he finds his original intention once again through the league." He plans to personally guide Lee so that he can manage his mental state and move toward his next goal.

Lee Ki-hyuk responded to the coach's trust by contributing to a clean sheet in his first league match after the World Cup. Coach Jung hopes that Lee Ki-hyuk will continue to build a 'better tomorrow' leading up to the next step, the Asian Games.

Coach Jung emphasized the attitude Lee Ki-hyuk must prove on the pitch. He stated firmly, "If you don't show desperation, you will be criticized. You must express it well on the pitch." He then suggested that Lee's growth will continue, saying, "He is a player who will continue to be selected for the national team. This World Cup served as the foundation for his further growth."