Challenge to be applauded → We finally succeeded! Lee Myung-jae, fullback of Korea University, played as a successful replacement for his dream stage debut + 20 minutes

Apr 19, 2025

Challenge to be applauded → We finally succeeded! Lee Myung-jae, fullback of Korea University, played as a successful replacement for his dream stage debut 20 minutes
Photo=Birmingham SNS Capture



Challenge to be applauded → We finally succeeded! Lee Myung-jae, fullback of Korea University, played as a successful replacement for his dream stage debut 20 minutes
Photo=Birmingham SNS Capture
Challenge to be applauded → We finally succeeded! Lee Myung-jae, fullback of Korea University, played as a successful replacement for his dream stage debut 20 minutes
Photo=Birmingham SNS Capture
Lee Myung-jae, a fullback of the Korean national team, has finally made his debut on the English stage of his dream.

Birmingham City drew 0-0 against Crawley Town in the 43rd round of the English League One (third division) in the 2024-2025 season at St Andrews Stadium in Birmingham, England on the 19th (Korea time). Birmingham, which has already confirmed its League One win since the 41st round, played with a relatively comfortable mind and pushed the offensive against the relegation zone Crowley, but did not score and ended up in a draw.

However, there was a player who stepped on the England stage while stepping on the ground for the first time this season. It was Lee Myung-jae. Lee Myung-jae was replaced by Aleksandar Cochrane in the 25th minute of the second half of the day and was put into the game. Lee Myung-jae, who played for about 20 minutes, finished his England debut with one key pass, 12 pass successes, one long pass success, and one ball possession recovery.




Challenge to be applauded → We finally succeeded! Lee Myung-jae, fullback of Korea University, played as a successful replacement for his dream stage debut 20 minutes
Photo=Birmingham SNS Capture
It was a short time to play, but it is bound to be an unforgettable game for Lee Myung-jae. Lee Myung-jae succeeded in a surprise transfer to Europe through the winter transfer market in February. At the end of the 2024 season, he finalized his contract with Ulsan HD and prepared for a transfer. He was one of the best fullbacks in the K-League. He played a key role in Ulsan's defense and established himself as a member of the dynasty's construction. At the 2024 K League Awards, he was selected as the best fullback in the league. He led the team to three consecutive wins and also joined the A team.

They also negotiated re-signing with Ulsan, but they chose the challenge due to disagreements under the conditions. Lee Myung-jae turned to overseas, although he was also courting in Korea. Proposals from China, the Middle East, and Japan came in, but Lee Myung-jae wanted to head to a league where he could grow further. I spent a long time waiting for my trip to Japan.

As soon as there was no attractive courtship in Japan and he was struggling to go to China, the road to Europe opened. Birmingham reached out. At that time, Birmingham needed a backup due to the injury of key fullback Lee Buchanan. Coach Chris Davis approved the recruitment, and Lee Myung-jae's transfer was made immediately.




Lee Myung-jae's advance to Europe attracted more attention because his Korean national team teammate Baek Seung-ho is an active team. There were many predictions that even if it is difficult to secure a starting position in the K-League, he will receive an opportunity through competition. Lee Myung-jae wanted to challenge himself despite his extremely small salary and contract period to advance to Europe. Therefore, attention was paid to whether the challenge could lead to opportunities and performances.

Challenge to be applauded → We finally succeeded! Lee Myung-jae, fullback of Korea University, played as a successful replacement for his dream stage debut 20 minutes
Photo=Birmingham SNS Capture
The walls of Europe were high. Lee Myung-jae has not been listed on the replacement list for any games since joining Birmingham until this day. Unlike other players, it was a more difficult condition because they had already played the 2024 season, but even a little chance was not given to Lee Myung-jae.

In the British media, there was a prospect that he could leave the team without even making his debut. Football League World in England is expected to be promoted to Birmingham, and this summer could be busy. If the contract situation does not change, we could look at the three players who are due to leave Birmingham in the summer. Lee Myung-jae is not the only defender to join the January transfer market. He suffered from a lack of fitness in Birmingham. The last few months have been frustrating, low on the priority list. Alex Cochrane is leading the position. Davis is likely to let him go after the end of the season. Returning to Korea can be a way to find confidence,' he said.




But a twist has come. Birmingham, which confirmed the championship at a relatively early time, actively operated its rotation after promotion, and Lee Myung-jae was also able to receive the opportunity to play on the day.

It may not be very likely that Lee Myung-jae will remain in Birmingham after the end of the season. However, his courageous challenge seems to be enough to be highly praised with his England debut.



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.