Hong Hyun-seok gives an interview before the national team training on Thursday.

Klinsmann's midfielder Hong Hyun-seok (Hent) has spoken of his excitement ahead of his first World Cup qualifying campaign.

The midfielder spoke to reporters before the team's training session at Mokdong Sports Complex in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on Thursday afternoon and shared his thoughts on the journey to the 2026 World Cup in North and Central America.

"I've always watched the World Cup on TV, so it's different and exciting to have the opportunity to play in person (even though it's still a qualifier)," he said.

South Korea, coached by Jürgen Klinsmann (GER), will take on Singapore at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Seoul World Cup Stadium in the first match of Group C of the North and Central American World Cup Asia Second Qualifying Round. After the home game, the team will travel to Shenzhen, China, on Sept. 19 for the second leg against China on Sept. 21.

South Korea will compete against Singapore, China and Thailand in Group C, with the top two teams advancing to the third round of qualifying.

Hong Hyun-seok earned his first call-up to the A team since Klinsmann's arrival in June. He played four matches and was recently named to the Hangzhou Asian Games squad, where he helped Korea win gold.

Hong Hyun-seok, who plays for Ghent in Belgium, was welcomed by his teammates after the Hangzhou gold medal.

"My team organized a welcome ceremony on the screen. My teammates congratulated me a lot," he explained. "I didn't take out my gold medal. I left it at home," he smiled.

At training the day before (Nov. 13), teammate Hwang In-beom (Zvezda) pointed to the junior Hong Hyun-seok and gave him a thumbs-up, saying, "You're doing great." "I'm so honored that he said that," Hong Hyun-seok said, "I think I still have a long way to go to catch up with him."

When asked what it would take to surpass his fellow position competitor Hwang In-beom, Hong Hyun-seok said, "There are so many things I need to work on, such as shooting, side kicks, decompression, and first touch. It will take a long time (to surpass)," he added.

Hong has been a consistent fixture in the midfield for Hent this season and is developing quickly. His work rate is high and he has a sharp left foot.

Hong Hyun-seok battles with Tunisia's Hannibal Mebry during the Hana Bank Invitational Football Tournament between South Korea and Tunisia at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seongsan-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul on Oct. 13.

Hong Hyun-seok, who is also playing in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season, said, "I've been playing in the conference league for three consecutive seasons and there are many good teams, so I'm learning a lot. It's a competition where you can improve yourself."

Hong, who is competing for a central midfield spot, is determined to prove his worth to Klinsmann by filling in the gaps.

"Defensively, we need to win the contested situations where we face opponents. Even in the Asian Qualifiers, there are many physically strong opponents. I think that will be the most important thing."

Hong has been traveling back and forth between Europe and Korea this year with the A team and the Hangzhou Asian Games, but he has a smile on his face.

"When asked if he was tired from traveling so often, he said, "It's a little tiring, but when I see things like that, (Son) Heung-min-hyung and (Kim) Min-jae-hyung are really great. I'm still young, so it's okay," he laughed.


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