The FIFA U-20 World Cup™ has become a source of high expectation for Korea Republic fans. In 2019, the nation secured a runners-up finish in Poland, with Lee Kangin starring and winning the adidas Golden Ball. Four years later, the young Taegeuk Warriors finished fourth in Argentina, and they will be out to make their mark when the tournament returns to South America this year.
Korea Republic, who qualified for Chile 2025 by reaching the semi-finals at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup, have been drawn in Group B at the global finals, alongside Panama, Paraguay and Ukraine. There is added intrigue to this group, as six years ago in the 2019 final, Korea Republic and Ukraine faced off for the title. Ultimately, it was Ukraine who lifted their first-ever U-20 World Cup trophy thanks to the saves of Golden Glove winner Andriy Lunin and a brace by forward Vladyslav Supriaha. Korea will be out to turn the tables in Chile and embark on yet another deep U-20 World Cup run.
Korea Republic’s Group B Fixtures
27 September
Korea Republic-Ukraine (17:00, Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander)
30 September
Korea Republic-Paraguay (20:00 local time, Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander)
3 October
Panama-Korea Republic (17:00, Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander)
All times are local
The coach: Lee Changwon
A former player with Jeonnam Dragons and Pohang Steelers, Lee Changwon began coaching after retirement at his alma mater, Pohang Jecheol Technical High School. Lee then became the first alumnus to take the reins of the school’s football team, leading them to national titles while developing future internationals such as Hwang Heechan and Lee Jinhyun. Before taking charge of the U-20 national team, Lee also coached at Daegu Arts University and Tongmyong University, guiding both sides to their first championship titles.
Looking ahead to Chile 2025, Lee has highlighted the importance of physical preparation. “Against strong international opponents, fitness is key.” He added: “I want the players to show their confidence without letting anxieties weed their way through. I will guide them to play with full conviction from start to finish.”
Star player: Hong Sungmin
Goalkeeper Hong Sungmin has established himself as an integral figure in Korea Republic’s U-20 squad. In the U-20 Asian Cup quarter-final against Uzbekistan earlier this year, he conceded a penalty within moments of kick-off but immediately redeemed himself with a fine save. Later, in the decisive shootout, the young keeper made two crucial stops, becoming the key contributor in booking Korea’s ticket to Chile 2025.
Hong was Korea’s first-choice goalkeeper at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2023 and, although the team suffered a group-stage exit, his sharp reflexes and confident play drew praise from Pascal Zuberbuhler of the FIFA Technical Study Group (FIFA TSG). Just five months after the U-17 World Cup, Hong became the first goalkeeper in Pohang Steelers’ history to sign a semi-professional contract.
One to watch: Kim Taewon
Kim Taewon spearheaded Korea’s attack at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2025, finishing as the team’s leading scorer with four goals. Kim struck twice against Thailand and calmly delivered a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against arch-rivals Japan to secure the top spot in the group. The striker then found the net again in the quarter-final against Uzbekistan. However, Kim ultimately missed out on the U-20 Golden Boot to Uzbekistan’s Mukhammadali Urinboev.
Standing 185cm tall, Kim has named Thomas Muller as his role model, and displays a similarly intelligent, inventive presence inside the penalty area. The player’s finishing ability has been a hallmark since his days at Yeongdeungpo Technical High School, where at just 18, scored 10 goals to win the Golden Boot at the Presidential Gold Cup. Buoyed by this momentum, the school was able to lift its first trophy since its founding in 1958. But Kim offers more than goals as his leadership qualities have seen him wear the captain’s armband for both school and country. With sights now set on Chile, Kim said: “I want to follow the coach’s vision, unite the team, and work hard to deliver strong results.”
