Son of Lee Eul-yong, a key player in the World Cup semifinals
Introduced in the second half of the game against Kuwait, ‘A match debut’
Korean national soccer team defender Lee Tae-seok (22, Pohang) entered the game as a substitute in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asian 3rd qualifying round match against Kuwait held on the 14th, making him the third player in Korean soccer history to play in an international match between father and son. Lee Tae-seok is the son of Yongin City Soccer Center general manager Lee Eul-yong (49), who played a leading role when Korea advanced to the semifinals of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. Previously, Kim Chan-gi (1932-2011) and Kim Seok-won (63), Cha Bum-geun (71) and Cha Du-ri (44) were the first families to be listed as participating in the international match.
Lee Tae-seok made his international debut as a replacement for Lee Myung-jae (31, Ulsan) in the 19th minute of the second half of the game against Kuwait. He took the field wearing the same number 13 uniform that his father wore when he was a national team player. Lee Tae-seok, who played as left side defender, said, “I didn’t know I would play in today’s game. “I’m really touched and happy,” he said. “I contacted my father and he said,
‘I think I did well for my first game.’” Coach Lee made his A-match debut in a friendly match against Brazil in March 1999, when he was 24 years old. Lee Tae-seok made his international debut two years earlier than his father. Coach Lee, a midfielder, played in 51 international matches and scored three goals.
Lee Tae-seok was selected for the adult national team for the first time when he was included in the call-up list for the second round of the World Cup Asia 3rd qualifying round in November. Hong Myung-bo, coach of the national soccer team, said of Lee Tae-seok’s A-match debut on this day, “The time period for the game was difficult, but he played well. “I had a good debut.” Lee Tae-seok made his professional debut in K League 1 Seoul in 2021 and transferred to Pohang in August midway through this season. In K League 1, he played a total of 100 games (1 goal, 6 assists).
Reporter Kim Jeong-hoon [email protected]
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What role does family legacy play in the performance of young athletes in soccer?
Time.news Interview: Legacy and New Beginnings in Korean Soccer
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, and thank you for joining us today. We have a special guest, sports analyst and former professional soccer player, Min Joon-soo, with us to discuss the recent debut of Lee Tae-seok in the Korean national soccer team. Min, thanks for taking the time to be here.
Min Joon-soo: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, especially to talk about such an exciting moment for Korean soccer.
Editor: Absolutely! Lee Tae-seok made quite an impression in his debut against Kuwait. What stood out to you the most about his performance?
Min Joon-soo: Lee Tae-seok showed remarkable composure for a debutant. I was particularly impressed with his defensive skills and ability to read the game. Coming on as a substitute, especially under the pressure of a World Cup qualifier, is no small feat. He handled it well, and his choice to wear the same number 13 as his father, Lee Eul-yong, added a heartfelt touch to the occasion.
Editor: Right! His father was a key player during the 2002 World Cup. It must be significant for him to follow in those footsteps. How do you think his family’s legacy impacts his performance on the field?
Min Joon-soo: Legacy in sports can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, there’s immense pressure—living up to the expectations that come with being the child of a former star. On the other hand, there’s also inspiration. Lee Tae-seok’s connection to his father likely motivates him. Hearing his father’s encouragement after the match, saying, “I think I did well for my first game,” reflects a supportive relationship that can help bolster Lee Tae-seok’s confidence.
Editor: And he has made history by becoming only the third player in Korean soccer to compete in an international match alongside a parent. How does this rare achievement affect the perception of family legacies in sports?
Min Joon-soo: This is incredibly meaningful because family legacies in soccer can shape the culture of the sport in a country. The fact that Lee Tae-seok joins the ranks of other notable father-son pairs increases interest in familial connections within the sport. It also humanizes the players, showing their personal journeys and shared experiences. Such achievements provide motivational stories for young players, demonstrating that the dream of playing at a high level is achievable, perhaps even for the next generation.
Editor: Speaking of future generations, how do you see Lee Tae-seok’s debut influencing young soccer players in Korea?
Min Joon-soo: Lee Tae-seok’s debut can have a positive ripple effect among youth players. It shows them that hard work and dedication can lead to opportunities, regardless of familial backgrounds. He was included in the national team for the first time as a young player, which can serve as an example. This sends a powerful message: not only can you reach the national level, but you can also carry on legacies and make a name for yourself.
Editor: What do you think lies ahead for Lee Tae-seok in his career, especially following this promising start?
Min Joon-soo: If he continues to work diligently, he has a bright future ahead of him. His debut is just the beginning, and there’s always room to grow. Continued refinement of his skills, coupled with the experience he’ll gain from playing in competitive matches, will be crucial. I believe he has the potential to become a staple in the national team, much like his father.
Editor: Thank you, Min, for your insights into this exciting new chapter for Lee Tae-seok and Korean soccer. It will be interesting to see how his career unfolds and if he can establish his own legacy while honoring his father’s.
Min Joon-soo: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to following Lee Tae-seok’s journey and the impact he will undoubtedly have on the sport.