Kim Tae-hwan (Ulsan Hyundai), 텍사스홀덤 Klinsmann’s top choice, shows his unwavering commitment to the Taeguk mark.

The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Jürgen Klinsmann, convened at the National Training Center (NFC) in Paju on Oct. 9 for the October A match. South Korea will play two back-to-back October A matches against Tunisia on Nov. 13 and Vietnam on Nov. 17.

Kim Tae-hwan spoke to the media before training on the afternoon of the 11th. Born in 1989, he is the most senior player in the squad, and he needs to take better care of his body to play a pivotal role in the Asian Cup.

Kim Tae-hwan said he will do his best in the moment rather than looking far ahead. “I’m not thinking about the Asian Cup next year, but I’m aiming to join the next call-up,” he said. “If I get called up to the national team every time, I’ll naturally be able to play in the Asian Cup,” he added. “I’ll take good care of my body,” he added.

Even though he’s been working more days than playing soccer, his commitment to the national team hasn’t wavered. “I think coming to the national team will be my biggest motivation until I hang up my soccer shoes,” said Kim Tae-hwan. “I will continue to challenge myself and work hard until the day I retire.”

“The national team is the place I want to be, and it’s the most important place,” he said, adding, “I think it shows my attitude towards it.”

Finally, when asked about his teammate Seol Young-woo (Ulsan), who won a gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, he said, “I think the team atmosphere has improved because he keeps smiling,” and laughed, “He said he’s preparing a gift for me and Kim Young-kwon, so I’ll look forward to it.”