South Korea Unveils 23-Man Squad for 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil
South Korea has officially revealed its 23-man squad for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, joining a growing list of nations finalising their teams for football’s biggest stage. Head coach Hong Myung-bo made the announcement on Thursday, confirming a mix of experienced veterans and promising talent that will represent the Taegeuk Warriors in Group H, alongside Belgium, Algeria, and Russia.
Among the 23 players selected, nine are based in Europe, with several bringing valuable international experience. Notably, Park Chu-young, who plays for Arsenal but is currently on loan at Watford, makes a return to the national fold. The 28-year-old forward is one of only three players from the 2010 World Cup squad, underlining the youthful overhaul Hong Myung-bo has implemented since taking charge.
South Korea’s goalkeeping options include Jung Sung-ryong (Suwon Bluewings), Kim Seung-gyu (Ulsan Hyundai), and Lee Bum-young (Busan IPark), all domestically based and tested in the K-League.
The defensive lineup blends K-League mainstays with overseas names such as Hong Jeong-ho (FC Augsburg), Yun Suk-young (Queens Park Rangers), and Kim Young-gwon (Guangzhou Evergrande). This backline will be vital in managing some of the world’s most creative attackers, particularly when facing Belgium’s high-powered offence.
In midfield, a wealth of talent and versatility is on display. Ki Sung-yueng, who recently spent the season with Sunderland, anchors the centre alongside Kim Bo-kyung (Cardiff City), Lee Chung-yong (Bolton Wanderers), and Son Heung-min, the dynamic attacker from Bayer Leverkusen. Son, still only 21, is widely seen as South Korea’s brightest hope and will be key to any attacking ambitions the team holds.
Other midfield inclusions such as Ha Dae-sung (Beijing Guoan) and Han Kook-young (Kashiwa Reysol) add both depth and physicality to the squad. Ji Dong-won (FC Augsburg) and Koo Ja-cheol (Mainz 05) round out a midfield group with solid Bundesliga experience.
Up front, in addition to Park Chu-young, South Korea will count on Kim Shin-wook (Ulsan Hyundai), Lee Keun-ho (Sangju Sangmu), and the versatile Koo Ja-cheol to provide goals and attacking presence.
Ahead of the tournament, South Korea will engage in two international friendlies: against Tunisia on May 28, followed by a key matchup with Ghana on June 10. These games will serve as crucial preparation for the group stage, where their opener will likely be decisive in setting the tone.
With a blend of domestic experience and European influence, South Korea heads to Brazil aiming to advance beyond the group stage — a feat they’ve achieved twice before, most notably during their historic run to the semi-finals in 2002. Whether this young and dynamic squad can replicate that success remains to be seen, but under Hong Myung-bo’s leadership, the Taegeuk Warriors promise to be one of the more intriguing teams to watch in this summer’s tournament.
