Pohang's Hwang Seo-woong Wins First 'Young Player of the Month' After Scoring Debut Goal

Pohang Steelers midfielder Hwang Seo-woong, 21, has been selected as the Player of the Month in professional football's K League for the first time in his life.

The Korea Professional Football League announced on October 7 that "Hwang Seo-woong won the K League Young Player of the Month award for September of the 2026 season."

This marks the first time Hwang Seo-woong, who made his professional debut with Pohang in 2024, has received the K League Young Player of the Month award.

The Young Player of the Month award is presented to the young player who performs the most outstandingly in K League 1 each month.

Candidates include K League 1 players who meet the following criteria: ▲ Korean nationality, ▲ aged 23 or younger (born in 2003 or later), and ▲ within three years of their first official K League appearance (debuted in the 2024 season or later), having played at least half of their team's total match time during the relevant month.

For September, a total of 5 matches were evaluated, consisting of Rounds 27 through 30 of K League 1 and a postponed Round 22 match between Gangwon FC and Incheon United.


A total of 10 players were nominated, including Hwang Seo-woong, Park Min-jae (Jeju), Chae Hyun-woo (Anyang), and Park Man-ho (Gimcheon).

Hwang Seo-woong, born in 2005, appeared in all 5 matches played by Pohang in September.

In particular, during the 30th round against league leaders FC Seoul, he scored the winning goal and his debut K League goal, leading Pohang to a 2-1 victory and earning a spot in the Round Best 11.

Hwang Seo-woong will be awarded a trophy along with prize money.
(Photo courtesy of Korea Professional Football League, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.