Defender Hwang Jae-won (22, Daegu FC), who was selected for the national team for the first time in his life, reflected on his parents’ words, “Don’t rest.”
Hwang Jae-won has been listed on the national team’s list, which was announced on Thursday. This is the first time that Hwang, who has consistently distinguished himself among national teams by age, has joined the A-team. The Korean team will play Singapore (away) and China (home) in the fifth and sixth rounds of Group C qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North-Central America World Cup.
Hwang Jae-won, a right-back, stood out at the Hangzhou Asian Games (AG) last year by boasting of his outstanding defense. Korea, which is comprised of U-24 players, has won the Hangzhou AG title with seven consecutive wins. Hwang also played as a key defender at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, which ended early this month. Although Hwang finished his career in the quarterfinals at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). He was recognized as one of the key players who will take responsibility for the national team’s right-wing defense in the future. His strength is that he has robust athleticism, and multi-talented ability to play as both a side and a central defender.
Hwang Jae-won, who has been constantly working for the national team since last year, said with a smile, “This journey is rather enjoyable. I still can’t believe it, but I’m more excited. I want to be called up as soon as possible to train and play with my older members.” As he has been a starting member of his team for three years, he may feel pressured. “I think I’m still young. I still have enough stamina to play,” Hwang said in expressing confidence. “This is a place that requires extraordinary determination. I need to make sure that I can contribute to my team every moment,” he said.
Hwang is expected to compete with Choi Joon (25, FC Seoul), who joined AG last year. “I know (with Choi) June very well. I hope that we will do our best and have a competition in good faith,” Hwang said.
Hwang also recalls his parents, who were happier than anyone else at the news. “I had high expectations for the selection of Hwang Jae-won as I ate with my family the day before the announcement,” Hwang said. “He was so happy when the proposal was confirmed, but he immediately said, ‘We can’t be complacent here. I try not to forget that.” 스포츠토토
“I want to feel the wall,” Hwang said, looking forward to meeting with Son Heung-min (32) as the captain of the national team. “I have never met with Son. I think we have a lot to learn from training together. I want to experience what level they are while facing Hwang Hee-chan (28) and other players.”
Finally, he said, “This is a difficult opportunity. I will not obsess about doing well, but always do my best for my team. I hope this will be an opportunity to show my strengths.”