Oh Hyun-kyu, playing for Belgian club Genk, made headlines on March 9, 2025, when he entered the game as a substitute and scored the decisive penalty kick during extra time, leading his team to a 1-0 victory against FCV Denderreu. This match was part of the 29th round of the Jupiler Pro League, held away at Denderreu. With this win, Genk solidified its top position in the league standings, accumulating 65 points with 20 victories, five draws, and four losses.
This season, Oh has impressively racked up nine goals and one assist across 31 official games, demonstrating his pivotal role within the team. Of those, six goals came from league matches, and three were netted during cup competitions. After recovering from a hamstring injury for about ten days, he returned to action with outstanding form, highlighted by his winning goal.
The excitement didn’t stop there, as fellow national teammate Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton also made his comeback from injury. After missing nearly a month due to right hamstring pain, he played again on March 9 during the round of 32 of the FA Cup against Blackburn. Although he did not get any shots on goal, Hwang managed to contribute to his team's efforts with eight ball touches and five passes, as Wolverhampton ended the match with a 1-1 draw against Everton.
Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in, playing for Paris Saint-Germain, started his first match after six games during the 25th round of Ligue 1 against Stade Rennes, contributing to PSG's impressive 4-1 victory. Kang-in was on the pitch for 64 minutes, marking a significant return after his recent absence.
Newcomer Um Ji-sung made headlines of his own by scoring his debut goal in England during the English Football League Championship. He accomplished this feat against Middlesbrough, finding the net early on to help Swansea City secure a 1-0 victory. Ji-sung's performance showcased his potential within the competitive environment of English football.
Another player making strides is Yang Min-hyuk, who started for Queens Park Rangers against West Bromwich Albion and played nearly the entire game, totaling 89 minutes on the pitch. Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough to prevent Queens Park from losing the match 0-1, but his continued presence on the field suggests he is adapting well after joining the club on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
This series of performances is encouraging for the South Korean national team, especially as they prepare for upcoming Asian qualifying matches for the North Korea-China World Cup. The team, which has not played any A matches since January, is set to announce its roster for the year on March 10, 2025. Players such as Hwang Hee-chan, Um Ji-sung, and Yang Min-hyuk, previously excluded from the national team due to injuries and their positions within their clubs, are vying for inclusion.
South Korea currently leads Group B with 14 points, having secured four wins and two draws. They will face Oman on March 20, 2025, at Goyang, followed by a match against Jordan on March 25, 2025, at Suwon. With key players regaining form and contributing positively to their club performances, the national team’s prospects look promising as they aim for success on the international stage.