Dual citizen son of singer Kim Jung-min to play under Japanese flag at U-17 World Cup

Singer Kim Jung-min, right, poses with his son Kim Do-yoon. Captured from his Instagram

Singer Kim Jung-min expressed support for his son, Kim Do-yoon — also known by his Japanese name, Tani Daichi — who has been newly added to Japan’s U-17 national football team roster for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

“Mom and Dad are always cheering for you. Show the world everything you’ve got. We love you,” Kim posted on social media Wednesday, sharing a news link about his son’s selection.

According to the Japan Football Association (JFA), Tani was called up to replace injured player Ryohta Seo ahead of the tournament, which will be held from Nov. 3-27.

Do-yoon, the second son of Kim Jung-min and Japanese singer Rumiko, holds dual citizenship in Korea and Japan. He first joined Japan’s U-17 team in 2024, gaining recognition through his participation in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers and finals.

Although he was initially left out of the final squad due to lingering injuries, the latest roster change has earned him a spot in the World Cup lineup.

He played for FC Seoul’s youth team at Osan Middle School before moving to Japan for high school, where he now plays for the youth squad of J2 League club Sagan Tosu.

Despite never being called up for Korea’s national youth teams, his continued selection for Japan has stirred online debate.

Some commenters have accused him of seeking to avoid Korea’s mandatory military service, while others defended his choice, saying, “It’s not an issue if Japan picked him when Korea didn’t,” and “At this stage, it seems more advantageous for him to pursue his career in Japan.”

Supporters also emphasized respecting the teenager’s decision, with one comment reading, “Wherever he chooses to play, that’s his path — let’s just wish him success.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.