You become Kim Min-jae's partner. Life reversal in five months, revival in Europe → The future of the national team's defense is not full, but it's the first drink

Sep 10, 2025

Photo =Mitwillan SNS Capture

The future of Korean soccer defense, which was benched in Europe, is finally seeing light. His performance in the national team was disappointing, but expectations grew.

South Korea's national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, drew 2-2 against Mexico in a friendly match at Geodyspark in Nashville, Tennessee, USA on the 10th (Korea time).

Coach Hong Myung-bo drastically changed the starting lineup that day. It was an experiment for the 2026 North American World Cup. It formed a lineup that changed nearly 90% from the last game, with Son Heung-min missing and Jens Kastroff being named as the starter. Only two players stayed. They were Kim Min-jae and Lee Han-beom of the defensive line.

Considering that Kim Min-jae is indispensable in Hong Myung-bo's defense, Lee Han-beom's two consecutive starts are even more surprising. He is starting again among prominent players, and there is a good possibility that he will compete as the No. 1 partner of Kim Min-jae in the future.

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The 180-degree change from the difficulties experienced last season raised Lee Han-beom to his current position. He has been highly regarded as a rising star of the Korean national team's defense since his days in FC Seoul. Despite his young age, he played for FC Seoul in the K League and showed outstanding skills. Defending is basic, and he was well received for showing his light ship ability and excellent pass skills. After taking the lead in Seoul, he laid the foundation for advancing to Europe by winning the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games. With Mitwillan's love call, expectations followed that he would grow into the next European center back.

However, I had a hard time. The adjustment period was harsh. He played only three games in his first season, and spent most of the previous 2024-2025 season on the bench. He sought a lease in the winter transfer market, but failed to do so due to Mitwillan's refusal. At the end of last season, he started taking chances in May. In the 27th round against FC Norchellan, Diao showed his worst performance of the season and was pushed back from the coach's choice. Lee Han-beom began to play as he filled the vacancy. Lee Han-beom later jumped into a main player and raised expectations in Meat Willan. This season, he also increased his playing time as a starter in the Europa League play-offs and leagues.

He also had a chance in the national team. Lee Han-beom, who failed to make his A-match debut despite his first selection in August 2024, later failed to join the national team in November 2024 and March this year. He made his debut against Kuwait in the A-match in June after a long time, proving the reason for the national flag.

Photo =Korea Football Association

Along with his performance, he did not miss September. He started in the first game against the U.S. and showed a consistent performance. Kim Min-jae and Kim Joo-sung constantly blocked the U.S. offensive with three backs. Along with his performance, Lee Han-beom was also on the starting list against Mexico.

However, it was disappointing against Mexico. Lee Han-beom, who showed a stable defense in the U.S. match, was struggling with strong forward pressure from fast and dribbling strikers in the match against Mexico. At the time of his first run, he failed to properly check Raul Jimenez's penetration. However, there were not a few scenes that contributed to the defense by constantly working with Kim Min-jae in the center. Since he is a player with strengths in both footfall and competition, his performance can continue to rise depending on his growth in Europe.

Lee Han-beom played full time for two consecutive games. He recorded an 88 percent pass success rate against Mexico, seven clearings, two interceptions, three restoration of public ownership, and four successful contests. As a young player born in 2002, there is something that needs to be improved further. Competition with senior players of the national team, who were out due to injury in September, will continue. Nevertheless, he clearly showed the possibility of heading to the World Cup stage.

The days of struggling in Europe have been erased. Lee Han-beom, who showed his wings in his team, was disappointed this September, but nevertheless showed a clear possibility.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.