Robert Moreno’s South Korea suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Uruguay in their second match under the Spanish coach, but the game also highlighted the emergence of Rangers winger Kim Min-su as a potential new attacking option.
South Korea conceded three goals in the first half at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sept. 28. Son Heung-min pulled one back in the 80th minute, but the goal could not prevent the defeat.
The result ended the momentum from Moreno’s debut on Sept. 24, when South Korea defeated Ecuador 3-0.
There were, however, some positive signs. After making several substitutions at halftime, South Korea became more proactive and showed a stronger response in the second half.
At the center of that change was Kim Min-su, who entered the match at the start of the second half.
Born in 2006, Kim received his first senior national-team call-up from Moreno during this international window.
Capable of playing across the attacking midfield and wing positions, Kim began his European career by joining Girona’s youth system in Spain in 2022. He made his professional debut for Girona in October 2024.
Last season, he spent time on loan at Andorra in Spain’s second division, recording six goals and four assists in 40 appearances.
His performances earned him a move to Scottish giants Rangers ahead of this season. Rangers reportedly paid a €10 million transfer fee for the young attacker and handed him the No. 10 shirt.
Kim made his senior international debut as a late substitute against Ecuador and was given considerably more playing time against Uruguay.
After his debut, Kim said he understood the responsibility of representing the national team and would work harder to prove his value and earn more playing time. Against Uruguay, he showed that determination on the pitch.
Replacing Hwang Hee-chan at halftime, Kim immediately became involved in South Korea’s attack from the left wing.
Two minutes into the second half, Kim received a pass from Son Heung-min, cut inside from the left and fired a right-footed shot, producing South Korea’s first shot on target of the match.
In the 67th minute, Kim was knocked down during a counterattack but quickly got back to his feet and continued moving forward. He continued to move between the left flank and central areas, adding energy to the attack while also contributing to South Korea’s defensive pressing.
Moreno’s tenure is still in its early stages. While the Uruguay defeat exposed areas that South Korea must address, Kim’s performance provided the team with another attacking option as it prepares for next year’s AFC Asian Cup.
South Korea will play Venezuela in Ulsan on Oct. 2 before facing Uzbekistan in Yongin on Oct. 6.
