Overview
- Kim Seung-gyu said he missed his daughter's birth while preparing for the World Cup and wants to repay that absence with strong performances for his family and team.
- Press-access decisions and coach signalling in Mexico have led reporters to view Kim as the likely first-choice goalkeeper over longtime rival Jo Hyeon-woo.
- Kim is valued for his kicking and ability to play out from the back, and he has said he will be aggressive on crosses and set pieces against opponents with tall forwards.
- The squad is finishing its preparations at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan ahead of the opening group match against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, with Kim and captain Son Heung-min central to the plan.
- Kim and Jo have alternated the starting role across past World Cups, and this tournament looks likely to be the final one for both veterans, which could shape South Korea's leadership and tactical choices on the field.