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Reigning K League MVP wants to do Korean league proud at World Cup

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By Yonhap
  • Published KST
Lee Dong-gyeong, a member of the South Korean squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, speaks to reporters at Incheon International Airport, Monday, before departing for Salt Lake City, Utah, for training camp. Yonhap

Lee Dong-gyeong, a member of the South Korean squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, speaks to reporters at Incheon International Airport, Monday, before departing for Salt Lake City, Utah, for training camp. Yonhap

As one of six K League players selected for the FIFA World Cup, Ulsan HD FC midfielder Lee Dong-gyeong said Monday he wants to make the rest of the South Korean league proud in the big tournament.

Lee, the 2025 K League 1 MVP, was named to South Korea's 26-man squad for the World Cup on Saturday. Head coach Hong Myung-bo said Lee brings speed and can be a useful option when South Korea have to maintain possession.

The attacking midfielder, though, must beat out some tough competition for playing time, as Hong has no shortage of options with the likes of Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz 05) and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), all of whom have far more international experience and pedigree than Lee Dong-gyeong.

Still, Lee Dong-gyeong voiced confidence that he can play his way into the lineup.

"Personally, I am confident in my ability to finish chances in the attacking zone," Lee told reporters Monday at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, before leaving for Salt Lake City, Utah, for pre-World Cup training camp. "I want to demonstrate that the K League is a competitive league and players here are just as good as anyone."

Lee, 28, said he can also make contributions at the other end.

"At my club, coaches have asked me to cover more ground on the defensive end and make improvements on that end of the field," Lee said. "And personally, I've also wanted to become a better defensive player. That's been my focal point this season."

After earning 16 caps for the senior national team and competing at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics for the under-23 squad, Lee, now 28, has a chance to realize his ultimate dream.

"I've been dreaming of playing at a World Cup since I first tied my cleats," Lee said. "I want to bring joy to our fans here."