▲ Kim Ye-geon, who has signed a professional contract with Jeonbuk Hyundai
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of the K League 1 has officially signed a professional contract with 17-year-old midfielder Kim Ye-geon, a player from the club's youth team, Jeonju Yeongsaeng High School.
The club announced on July 13, "We signed a professional contract with Kim Ye-geon at our clubhouse on July 7 and have completed his registration as a professional player," adding, "This is the first time in the club's history that a player has transitioned from a semi-pro to a full professional contract while still attending high school."
Previously, Jeonbuk had signed semi-pro contracts with players such as Kim Jeong-hoon, Kim Jun-hong, and Kang Sang-yun during their high school years. However, it had been customary for these players to transition to full professional contracts in January of the following year, around the time of their graduation.
Kim Ye-geon is the first player to bypass this process and sign a direct professional contract while still enrolled in high school.
After signing a semi-pro contract in March of this year and debuting with the Jeonbuk N-team, Kim made his first foray into the adult K3 League. He showcased his skills by scoring 3 goals, including a free-kick, in 11 appearances. He then joined the Jeonbuk A-team in mid-June to prepare for his K League 1 debut.
Kim made his first-team debut in the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 16 match against Gangwon FC on July 4, and proved his value by scoring his first-team debut goal during the Hyundai Derby against Ulsan in Round 17 on July 11.
Jeonbuk stated, "Kim Ye-geon's rapid transition to a full professional contract is the result of the organic integration of our youth system, spanning Dongguk University Affiliated Geumsan Middle School and Jeonju Yeongsaeng High School, and the operation of our N-team, which serves as a stepping stone to the professional stage."
Kim expressed his commitment, saying, "It is a great honor to sign a full professional contract as a high school student with Jeonbuk Hyundai, a team I have dreamed of playing for since I was young. Living up to the title of being the first in club history, I will not become complacent and will strive to be a player who moves the fans."
(Photo: Courtesy of Jeonbuk Hyundai, Yonhap News)
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