Tae Tak
@taegukscout.bsky.social
🇰🇷🇺🇸
PFSA/FA Certified
Football scout, writer, freelance creative
Scout for 360 Scouting
Previously: YouthScout1ng & Eyeball (Scandinavia)
South Korean ⚽
https://x.com/taegukscout
http://substack.com/@taegukscout
#KNT #KLeague
PFSA/FA Certified
Football scout, writer, freelance creative
Scout for 360 Scouting
Previously: YouthScout1ng & Eyeball (Scandinavia)
South Korean ⚽
https://x.com/taegukscout
http://substack.com/@taegukscout
#KNT #KLeague
📩 Mailbag #1: "How does the South Korean youth football system work?"
In my newest Substack post, I explore:
• Grassroots development
• The school & academy pipeline
• Reliance on tournaments
• and more . . .
Link below 👇
In my newest Substack post, I explore:
• Grassroots development
• The school & academy pipeline
• Reliance on tournaments
• and more . . .
Link below 👇
October 30, 2025 at 12:18 PM
📩 Mailbag #1: "How does the South Korean youth football system work?"
In my newest Substack post, I explore:
• Grassroots development
• The school & academy pipeline
• Reliance on tournaments
• and more . . .
Link below 👇
In my newest Substack post, I explore:
• Grassroots development
• The school & academy pipeline
• Reliance on tournaments
• and more . . .
Link below 👇
Some of the young CBs I've previously highlighted are playing well this season:
• Kim Gun-hee - strong duelist on 1st place Incheon in K2, albeit some concentration issues
• Seo Myeong-kwan - adjusting well to K1 at Ulsan
• Shin Min-ha - linked to European clubs
• Kim Gun-hee - strong duelist on 1st place Incheon in K2, albeit some concentration issues
• Seo Myeong-kwan - adjusting well to K1 at Ulsan
• Shin Min-ha - linked to European clubs
June 8, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Some of the young CBs I've previously highlighted are playing well this season:
• Kim Gun-hee - strong duelist on 1st place Incheon in K2, albeit some concentration issues
• Seo Myeong-kwan - adjusting well to K1 at Ulsan
• Shin Min-ha - linked to European clubs
• Kim Gun-hee - strong duelist on 1st place Incheon in K2, albeit some concentration issues
• Seo Myeong-kwan - adjusting well to K1 at Ulsan
• Shin Min-ha - linked to European clubs
🔎 One to Watch: Suwon Samsung's Ko Jong-hyun
Scouting Profile ⬇️
Scouting Profile ⬇️
June 8, 2025 at 3:01 PM
🔎 One to Watch: Suwon Samsung's Ko Jong-hyun
Scouting Profile ⬇️
Scouting Profile ⬇️
5️⃣ Heo Jae-won
194 cm tall '08 GK
Jeju United U18
Given his 194 cm tall frame, Heo Jae-won would already be among the tallest GKs in the K-League this season.
FYI: all three Korean U17 GKs are over 190 cm tall & Heo isn't even the tallest.
194 cm tall '08 GK
Jeju United U18
Given his 194 cm tall frame, Heo Jae-won would already be among the tallest GKs in the K-League this season.
FYI: all three Korean U17 GKs are over 190 cm tall & Heo isn't even the tallest.
April 1, 2025 at 1:15 PM
5️⃣ Heo Jae-won
194 cm tall '08 GK
Jeju United U18
Given his 194 cm tall frame, Heo Jae-won would already be among the tallest GKs in the K-League this season.
FYI: all three Korean U17 GKs are over 190 cm tall & Heo isn't even the tallest.
194 cm tall '08 GK
Jeju United U18
Given his 194 cm tall frame, Heo Jae-won would already be among the tallest GKs in the K-League this season.
FYI: all three Korean U17 GKs are over 190 cm tall & Heo isn't even the tallest.
4️⃣ Kim Ji-sung
178 cm tall '08 CM/AM
Suwon Samsung U18
Kim Ji-sung & Daejeon U18's Park Byung-chan both smashed hat tricks in a 13-0 drubbing of Maldives in qualifying. He counts Kevin De Bruyne among his idols, citing his passing & movement as prominent factors.
178 cm tall '08 CM/AM
Suwon Samsung U18
Kim Ji-sung & Daejeon U18's Park Byung-chan both smashed hat tricks in a 13-0 drubbing of Maldives in qualifying. He counts Kevin De Bruyne among his idols, citing his passing & movement as prominent factors.
April 1, 2025 at 1:15 PM
4️⃣ Kim Ji-sung
178 cm tall '08 CM/AM
Suwon Samsung U18
Kim Ji-sung & Daejeon U18's Park Byung-chan both smashed hat tricks in a 13-0 drubbing of Maldives in qualifying. He counts Kevin De Bruyne among his idols, citing his passing & movement as prominent factors.
178 cm tall '08 CM/AM
Suwon Samsung U18
Kim Ji-sung & Daejeon U18's Park Byung-chan both smashed hat tricks in a 13-0 drubbing of Maldives in qualifying. He counts Kevin De Bruyne among his idols, citing his passing & movement as prominent factors.
3️⃣ Jeong Hyun-woong
176 cm tall '08 LW
FC Seoul U18
Jeong Hyun-woong has been an efficient goalscoring presence for manager Baek Gi-tae's U17s. He's scored four goals in only 217 minutes of international friendlies under Baek.
176 cm tall '08 LW
FC Seoul U18
Jeong Hyun-woong has been an efficient goalscoring presence for manager Baek Gi-tae's U17s. He's scored four goals in only 217 minutes of international friendlies under Baek.
April 1, 2025 at 1:15 PM
3️⃣ Jeong Hyun-woong
176 cm tall '08 LW
FC Seoul U18
Jeong Hyun-woong has been an efficient goalscoring presence for manager Baek Gi-tae's U17s. He's scored four goals in only 217 minutes of international friendlies under Baek.
176 cm tall '08 LW
FC Seoul U18
Jeong Hyun-woong has been an efficient goalscoring presence for manager Baek Gi-tae's U17s. He's scored four goals in only 217 minutes of international friendlies under Baek.
2️⃣ Kim Ye-geon
167 cm tall '08 AM/CM
Jeonbuk Hyundai U18
If you've watched The Gentlemen's League on Netflix, you might recognize Ye-geon, who made a few cameo appearances. Like former child prodigy Lee Kang-in, he'll be hungry to prove that his silky skills aren't just for TV.
167 cm tall '08 AM/CM
Jeonbuk Hyundai U18
If you've watched The Gentlemen's League on Netflix, you might recognize Ye-geon, who made a few cameo appearances. Like former child prodigy Lee Kang-in, he'll be hungry to prove that his silky skills aren't just for TV.
April 1, 2025 at 1:15 PM
2️⃣ Kim Ye-geon
167 cm tall '08 AM/CM
Jeonbuk Hyundai U18
If you've watched The Gentlemen's League on Netflix, you might recognize Ye-geon, who made a few cameo appearances. Like former child prodigy Lee Kang-in, he'll be hungry to prove that his silky skills aren't just for TV.
167 cm tall '08 AM/CM
Jeonbuk Hyundai U18
If you've watched The Gentlemen's League on Netflix, you might recognize Ye-geon, who made a few cameo appearances. Like former child prodigy Lee Kang-in, he'll be hungry to prove that his silky skills aren't just for TV.
1️⃣ Koo Hyeon-bin
188 cm tall '08 CB
Incheon United U18
The U17 captain, despite being the youngest player on the team. He scored a late goal to cap off a 2-0 win against Hungary U17s last year. Defense, as usual, will be key for a deep run in the tournament.
188 cm tall '08 CB
Incheon United U18
The U17 captain, despite being the youngest player on the team. He scored a late goal to cap off a 2-0 win against Hungary U17s last year. Defense, as usual, will be key for a deep run in the tournament.
April 1, 2025 at 1:15 PM
1️⃣ Koo Hyeon-bin
188 cm tall '08 CB
Incheon United U18
The U17 captain, despite being the youngest player on the team. He scored a late goal to cap off a 2-0 win against Hungary U17s last year. Defense, as usual, will be key for a deep run in the tournament.
188 cm tall '08 CB
Incheon United U18
The U17 captain, despite being the youngest player on the team. He scored a late goal to cap off a 2-0 win against Hungary U17s last year. Defense, as usual, will be key for a deep run in the tournament.
🔎🇰🇷 Five South Korean Players to Watch at the 2025 U17 Asian Cup
Tottenham's Yang Min-hyeok & Yun Do-young of Brighton impressed at this tournament back in 2023. Starting April 3rd, a new crop of Korean prospects will enter the public eye. Who's next?
[THREAD]
Tottenham's Yang Min-hyeok & Yun Do-young of Brighton impressed at this tournament back in 2023. Starting April 3rd, a new crop of Korean prospects will enter the public eye. Who's next?
[THREAD]
April 1, 2025 at 1:15 PM
🔎🇰🇷 Five South Korean Players to Watch at the 2025 U17 Asian Cup
Tottenham's Yang Min-hyeok & Yun Do-young of Brighton impressed at this tournament back in 2023. Starting April 3rd, a new crop of Korean prospects will enter the public eye. Who's next?
[THREAD]
Tottenham's Yang Min-hyeok & Yun Do-young of Brighton impressed at this tournament back in 2023. Starting April 3rd, a new crop of Korean prospects will enter the public eye. Who's next?
[THREAD]
Exhibit A: Why the stats/data from a single match can be misleading, and why the eye test is still king. Park Yong-woo was nowhere near being Man of the Match.
Identifying a DM is a paramount issue. There are plenty of Korean 8s, but not enough 6s.
Identifying a DM is a paramount issue. There are plenty of Korean 8s, but not enough 6s.
March 26, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Exhibit A: Why the stats/data from a single match can be misleading, and why the eye test is still king. Park Yong-woo was nowhere near being Man of the Match.
Identifying a DM is a paramount issue. There are plenty of Korean 8s, but not enough 6s.
Identifying a DM is a paramount issue. There are plenty of Korean 8s, but not enough 6s.
24 South Koreans have come through the doors of the Bundesliga. Some have succeeded while others have come and gone without much fanfare.
We may never see another Son or Cha in our lifetimes, but this relationship ensures the due diligence required to identify the best talents.
We may never see another Son or Cha in our lifetimes, but this relationship ensures the due diligence required to identify the best talents.
March 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
24 South Koreans have come through the doors of the Bundesliga. Some have succeeded while others have come and gone without much fanfare.
We may never see another Son or Cha in our lifetimes, but this relationship ensures the due diligence required to identify the best talents.
We may never see another Son or Cha in our lifetimes, but this relationship ensures the due diligence required to identify the best talents.
The Deutsche Fußball Liga recently signed a youth football agreement with the KFA until 2028 with an option to extend to 2030.
Mainz and Hamburger SV, two clubs with a strong connection to Korean football, will each be hosting the U-16 national team for a few weeks.
Mainz and Hamburger SV, two clubs with a strong connection to Korean football, will each be hosting the U-16 national team for a few weeks.
March 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
The Deutsche Fußball Liga recently signed a youth football agreement with the KFA until 2028 with an option to extend to 2030.
Mainz and Hamburger SV, two clubs with a strong connection to Korean football, will each be hosting the U-16 national team for a few weeks.
Mainz and Hamburger SV, two clubs with a strong connection to Korean football, will each be hosting the U-16 national team for a few weeks.
At the time of writing, there are an incredible 117 active South Korean players in Germany listed on the Transfermarkt database.
That's more than the number of South Korean players in Japan (106).
That's more than the number of South Korean players in Japan (106).
March 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
At the time of writing, there are an incredible 117 active South Korean players in Germany listed on the Transfermarkt database.
That's more than the number of South Korean players in Japan (106).
That's more than the number of South Korean players in Japan (106).
Decades later, Son Heung-min burst onto the scene as Cha's heir apparent. He became Hamburg's youngest goalscorer in the Bundesliga in 2010 at 18.
He finished with 41 goals in 135 matches with HSV & Leverkusen.
He finished with 41 goals in 135 matches with HSV & Leverkusen.
March 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Decades later, Son Heung-min burst onto the scene as Cha's heir apparent. He became Hamburg's youngest goalscorer in the Bundesliga in 2010 at 18.
He finished with 41 goals in 135 matches with HSV & Leverkusen.
He finished with 41 goals in 135 matches with HSV & Leverkusen.
"Tscha Bum", as he was aptly nicknamed for his booming ballstriking abilities, lifted two UEFA Cups with two different clubs.
Alex Ferguson once said "Cha was the problem we couldn't solve" after his Aberdeen side was defeated by Cha's Frankfurt in the 1979/80 UEFA Cup.
Alex Ferguson once said "Cha was the problem we couldn't solve" after his Aberdeen side was defeated by Cha's Frankfurt in the 1979/80 UEFA Cup.
March 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
"Tscha Bum", as he was aptly nicknamed for his booming ballstriking abilities, lifted two UEFA Cups with two different clubs.
Alex Ferguson once said "Cha was the problem we couldn't solve" after his Aberdeen side was defeated by Cha's Frankfurt in the 1979/80 UEFA Cup.
Alex Ferguson once said "Cha was the problem we couldn't solve" after his Aberdeen side was defeated by Cha's Frankfurt in the 1979/80 UEFA Cup.
Bundesliga legend Cha Bum-kun & former Hamburg wunderkind Son Heung-min included, there have been hundreds-if not thousands-of Korean players from Bundesliga to Regionalliga/amateur levels.
Cha Bum-kun's success was instrumental in laying the foundation for 🇰🇷 footballers in Germany.
Cha Bum-kun's success was instrumental in laying the foundation for 🇰🇷 footballers in Germany.
March 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Bundesliga legend Cha Bum-kun & former Hamburg wunderkind Son Heung-min included, there have been hundreds-if not thousands-of Korean players from Bundesliga to Regionalliga/amateur levels.
Cha Bum-kun's success was instrumental in laying the foundation for 🇰🇷 footballers in Germany.
Cha Bum-kun's success was instrumental in laying the foundation for 🇰🇷 footballers in Germany.
Germany × South Korea 🇩🇪 🤝 🇰🇷
Over the past 40+ years, Germany has steadily become one of South Korea's strongest pathways into Europe.
Let's take a brief look at the footballing history between the two countries and what this relationship has built.
[THREAD]
Over the past 40+ years, Germany has steadily become one of South Korea's strongest pathways into Europe.
Let's take a brief look at the footballing history between the two countries and what this relationship has built.
[THREAD]
March 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Germany × South Korea 🇩🇪 🤝 🇰🇷
Over the past 40+ years, Germany has steadily become one of South Korea's strongest pathways into Europe.
Let's take a brief look at the footballing history between the two countries and what this relationship has built.
[THREAD]
Over the past 40+ years, Germany has steadily become one of South Korea's strongest pathways into Europe.
Let's take a brief look at the footballing history between the two countries and what this relationship has built.
[THREAD]
4️⃣ Lee Gi-hyuk
185 cm
'00 left-footed utility
Gangwon FC
🇰🇷 KNT fit: He would be more of a depth option in a back 4 system, but would add quality in the build up wherever he plays.
❓: Non-specialized role, some lack of size
185 cm
'00 left-footed utility
Gangwon FC
🇰🇷 KNT fit: He would be more of a depth option in a back 4 system, but would add quality in the build up wherever he plays.
❓: Non-specialized role, some lack of size
March 15, 2025 at 1:44 AM
4️⃣ Lee Gi-hyuk
185 cm
'00 left-footed utility
Gangwon FC
🇰🇷 KNT fit: He would be more of a depth option in a back 4 system, but would add quality in the build up wherever he plays.
❓: Non-specialized role, some lack of size
185 cm
'00 left-footed utility
Gangwon FC
🇰🇷 KNT fit: He would be more of a depth option in a back 4 system, but would add quality in the build up wherever he plays.
❓: Non-specialized role, some lack of size
3️⃣ Seo Myeong-kwan
186 cm
'02 right-footed CB
Ulsan HD FC
🇰🇷 KNT fit: He's off to a solid start with new club Ulsan after a few strong seasons in K2. While not the tallest CB, he would add versatility & athleticism to the backline.
❓: Inexperience, average left foot
186 cm
'02 right-footed CB
Ulsan HD FC
🇰🇷 KNT fit: He's off to a solid start with new club Ulsan after a few strong seasons in K2. While not the tallest CB, he would add versatility & athleticism to the backline.
❓: Inexperience, average left foot
March 15, 2025 at 1:44 AM
3️⃣ Seo Myeong-kwan
186 cm
'02 right-footed CB
Ulsan HD FC
🇰🇷 KNT fit: He's off to a solid start with new club Ulsan after a few strong seasons in K2. While not the tallest CB, he would add versatility & athleticism to the backline.
❓: Inexperience, average left foot
186 cm
'02 right-footed CB
Ulsan HD FC
🇰🇷 KNT fit: He's off to a solid start with new club Ulsan after a few strong seasons in K2. While not the tallest CB, he would add versatility & athleticism to the backline.
❓: Inexperience, average left foot
2️⃣ Kim Gun-hee
192 cm
'02 right-footed CB
Incheon United
🇰🇷 KNT fit: This stopper is a strong duelist due to his mix of physicality, anticipation, & length. His efficiency in duels would be welcome on a team that needs quality ball winners.
❓: Inexperience, concentration
192 cm
'02 right-footed CB
Incheon United
🇰🇷 KNT fit: This stopper is a strong duelist due to his mix of physicality, anticipation, & length. His efficiency in duels would be welcome on a team that needs quality ball winners.
❓: Inexperience, concentration
March 15, 2025 at 1:44 AM
2️⃣ Kim Gun-hee
192 cm
'02 right-footed CB
Incheon United
🇰🇷 KNT fit: This stopper is a strong duelist due to his mix of physicality, anticipation, & length. His efficiency in duels would be welcome on a team that needs quality ball winners.
❓: Inexperience, concentration
192 cm
'02 right-footed CB
Incheon United
🇰🇷 KNT fit: This stopper is a strong duelist due to his mix of physicality, anticipation, & length. His efficiency in duels would be welcome on a team that needs quality ball winners.
❓: Inexperience, concentration
1️⃣ Kim Ju-sung
186 cm
'00 left-footed CB
FC Seoul
🇰🇷 KNT fit: Not only is he arguably the best current Korean CB in the K-League, but his methodical, safe playing style should mesh well with projected RCB starter Cho Yu-min.
❓: Little KNT experience
186 cm
'00 left-footed CB
FC Seoul
🇰🇷 KNT fit: Not only is he arguably the best current Korean CB in the K-League, but his methodical, safe playing style should mesh well with projected RCB starter Cho Yu-min.
❓: Little KNT experience
March 15, 2025 at 1:44 AM
1️⃣ Kim Ju-sung
186 cm
'00 left-footed CB
FC Seoul
🇰🇷 KNT fit: Not only is he arguably the best current Korean CB in the K-League, but his methodical, safe playing style should mesh well with projected RCB starter Cho Yu-min.
❓: Little KNT experience
186 cm
'00 left-footed CB
FC Seoul
🇰🇷 KNT fit: Not only is he arguably the best current Korean CB in the K-League, but his methodical, safe playing style should mesh well with projected RCB starter Cho Yu-min.
❓: Little KNT experience
Four CB Candidates to Cover for Kim Min-jae on the 🇰🇷 KNT
Let's take a look at a few CBs who should be in serious contention for the national team if Kim Min-jae needs a rest (and he does, badly).
[THREAD]
Let's take a look at a few CBs who should be in serious contention for the national team if Kim Min-jae needs a rest (and he does, badly).
[THREAD]
March 15, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Four CB Candidates to Cover for Kim Min-jae on the 🇰🇷 KNT
Let's take a look at a few CBs who should be in serious contention for the national team if Kim Min-jae needs a rest (and he does, badly).
[THREAD]
Let's take a look at a few CBs who should be in serious contention for the national team if Kim Min-jae needs a rest (and he does, badly).
[THREAD]
One year later and this old post still rings true. Landing Jens Castrop would be a coup for the KNT. His intensity and quickness would be a great long-term fit next to Hwang In-beom as the latter ages. And he also can play FB, simultaneously shoring up two positions of need.
March 14, 2025 at 1:47 AM
One year later and this old post still rings true. Landing Jens Castrop would be a coup for the KNT. His intensity and quickness would be a great long-term fit next to Hwang In-beom as the latter ages. And he also can play FB, simultaneously shoring up two positions of need.
An example of what #8 Seong Shin & #7 Son Seung-min faced vs Saudi Arabia:
A very compact defense with not much vertical space. Wingers often contending with double teams due to not enough overlap or central penetration.
A very compact defense with not much vertical space. Wingers often contending with double teams due to not enough overlap or central penetration.
February 27, 2025 at 4:30 PM
An example of what #8 Seong Shin & #7 Son Seung-min faced vs Saudi Arabia:
A very compact defense with not much vertical space. Wingers often contending with double teams due to not enough overlap or central penetration.
A very compact defense with not much vertical space. Wingers often contending with double teams due to not enough overlap or central penetration.
4️⃣ Kim Tae-won ('05 CF) has a knack for getting into good positions.
He struggled to consistently get involved in the games, but he seems to have good instincts & box positioning.
He finished with four goals & an assist this tournament.
He struggled to consistently get involved in the games, but he seems to have good instincts & box positioning.
He finished with four goals & an assist this tournament.
February 27, 2025 at 4:30 PM
4️⃣ Kim Tae-won ('05 CF) has a knack for getting into good positions.
He struggled to consistently get involved in the games, but he seems to have good instincts & box positioning.
He finished with four goals & an assist this tournament.
He struggled to consistently get involved in the games, but he seems to have good instincts & box positioning.
He finished with four goals & an assist this tournament.