Kim Min-jae, the 'Defensive Anchor,' Encourages Teammates: "Stay Focused Even After Mistakes"

[Anchor]

The national team can secure at least second place in the group if they avoid conceding a goal against South Africa, making defense more critical than ever. Kim Min-jae, the core of the defense and a pillar of the national team, is encouraging his younger teammates, emphasizing that what matters most after a mistake is regaining focus.

Lee Jung-chan reports from Mexico.

[Reporter]

In this tournament, Kim Min-jae is truly proving why he is a "world-class" defender.

Against the "tall squad" of the Czech Republic, he anchored the defense firmly, winning the ball nine times in contested situations—the most of any player on either team.

[Lee Han-beom/National Football Team Defender: A true protagonist, the protagonist of our defense!]

In the match against Mexico, he recorded the highest number of pass attempts and successful passes for both teams, and reached a top speed of 34.4 km/h, making him the fastest player on the pitch.

When captain Son Heung-min is off the pitch, Kim takes on the role of team leader. He did not forget to offer warm words of encouragement to his younger teammate Lee Ki-hyuk, who was involved in a goal-conceding mistake.

[Kim Min-jae/National Football Team Defender: Anyone can make a mistake, and anyone can concede a goal. I don't think there's any need for specific feedback, so I told him, 'Don't think too much of it.' I just want him to focus a bit more on the next match.]

Since the team gathered last month, Kim has consistently looked after his younger teammates, even while maintaining a blunt demeanor.

[If they come and ask me, I'll be happy to teach them. I guess they just don't have any questions.]

Whenever that happens, he intentionally shouts words of encouragement.

[Let's go!]

With short and punchy remarks, he boosts the team's morale.

[Wi-je, you have to keep talking. Keep talking!]

After taking a rest yesterday (June 21), the national team resumed training today (June 22). FIFA has turned its attention to our team as they prepare for the third match after overcoming the defeat in the second.

Just like the lyrics of the official tournament theme song, the national team, which stumbled once, has begun to stand up and run again.

(Reported by Hwang In-seok | Video edited by Park Ki-deok | Graphics by Park Tae-young and Jo Su-in)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.