South Korean national team goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu became a father last week during training for the FIFA World Cup. At a press conference in Zapopan, Mexico, he apologized for missing the birth and pledged to bring home strong results.
Kim Seung-gyu spoke at a press conference on June 7 at Chivas Verde Valle training ground in Zapopan, Mexico. He said, 'I am really sorry that I couldn't be with my wife for the birth, and I want to bring home good results from here as my presents.' The 35-year-old is favored to start ahead of Jo Hyeon-woo under coach Hong Myung-bo. Kim debuted at the 2014 World Cup, served as backup in 2018, and started in 2022. This marks Kim's fourth World Cup and likely final one. He will join captain Son Heung-min as a four-time participant. Kim expressed excitement mixed with pressure ahead of the opening match against Czechia. He warned about Czechia's tall forwards, noting, 'A goalkeeper cannot afford to just stay in goal. My job is to be aggressive in going after the ball in the air.' Kim also praised his long friendship with Son, calling him his greatest source of strength.