2025 Gangwon FC Squad Guide | OneFootball

Following on from a record-breaking 2024 season which saw Gangwon FC achieve a second-place finish in K League 1, as well as the breakthrough of Tottenham Hotspur starlet Yang Min-hyuk, 2025 brings with it heightened expectations and interest in the Bears. As such, columnist Nathan Sartain again offers a comprehensive squad guide to the provincial club, which will be continuously updated throughout the transfer window.

Lee Gwang-yeon

Lee Gwang-yeon: After once again proving himself as Gangwon’s first-choice goalkeeper amidst strong competition, vice-captain Lee Gwang-yeon should be trusted with retaining a consistent role in 2025. Last season, the 25-year-old made an average (per 90) of  2.22 saves, 1.14 exits, 1.46 passes to the final third, 5.31 long passes, and kept six clean-sheets.

Park Cheong-hyo: Initially given a string of starts in 2024 before becoming a firm backup option, Park Cheong-hyo had a mixed first season at Gangwon, conceding 19 goals across nine league appearances, and keeping one clean-sheet. He’ll be hoping for better returns whenever called upon this year, and more performances like his player of the match outing in the Korea Cup against FC Seoul.

Kim Yoo-sung: 19-year-old Kim Yoo-sung made just one appearance for Gangwon last year, but it was a successful one. In round 38, the young goalkeeper kept a clean-sheet against Pohang Steelers as the Bears went on to win 1-0, and made a couple of strong saves that can easily become a springboard to more opportunities going forward.

Defenders

Lee Gi-hyuk

Lee Gi-hyuk: One of Gangwon’s standout players last year, Lee Gi-hyuk excelled whether at centre-back, left-back, or slightly further up the pitch. A key component of the Bears’ buildup play, the versatile defender in 2024 averaged (per 90) 3.96 accurate passes to the final third, 0.08 xA, 1.09 passes to the penalty area, 0.31 through passes, 0.67 crosses, and 1.23 dribbles. Now, the task is for Lee Gi-hyuk - who has been promoted to vice-captain - to really cement himself as vital to Gangwon’s prospects.

Kang Joon-hyuck: Creative full-back Kang Joon-hyuck is one of Gangwon’s most interesting signings for the coming year, and represents their wishes to replace Hwang Mun-ki’s goal contributions. With three goals and five assists for Chungnam Asan last year, the predominantly left-sided defender helped his team push towards potential promotion, and averaged (per 90) 2.01 crosses, 1.88 dribbles, 3.83 passes to the final third, 2.26 passes to the penalty area, 0.14 xA, 1.93 progressive runs, and 0.86 shot assists.

Hong Chul: Adding experience to the backline, Hong Chul joins Gangwon after a spell with Daegu FC. Positively, the 34-year-old left-back did have a decent 2024, averaging (per 90) 7.16 recoveries, 3.58 interceptions, 2.49 crosses, 6.92 passes to the final third, 2.96 passes to the penalty area, and 0.85 shot assists. Chipping in with one goal and two assists too, Jung Kyung-ho will hope the veteran full-back can continue to show his quality at the Bears.

Jo Hyun-tae: Young centre-back prospect Jo Hyun-tae found his opportunities limited in 2024, playing just over 90 minutes of first-team football overall. But the 20-year-old is still one to watch, and with the departures of players such as Kim Woo-seok and Kim Young-bin, he could find his way back up the pecking order, and on the right track to more first-team opportunities.

Shin Min-ha

Shin Min-ha: Perhaps Gangwon’s brightest prospect, centre-back Shin Min-ha is rightly going to be tipped for a breakout year in 2025. After making 22 overall appearances last season (mostly as a substitute), the 19-year-old has plenty of first-division experience to build on, and proved his lofty potential with a fantastic performance in round 38 against Pohang Steelers. There, Shin Min-ha made nine recoveries, 10 interceptions, won six of his seven defensive duels, and impressively contributed to the team’s buildup with 58 accurate passes.

Park Soo-hwan: Following a similar trajectory to Shin Min-ha, Park Soo-hwan links up with Gangwon after playing for the Yongin City Soccer Centre U18 team, and represents a new U22 option in defence for the team. With ACL in the Bears’ 2025 schedule thanks to their second-place league finish, Park may just find some playing time, given rotation and depth is now increasingly important for the provincial club.

Marko Tuci: Since joining Gangwon in summer 2023, Marko Tuci has continued to be constantly dependable for the team. Last season was no different, and the 26-year-old competently played alongside a number of different centre-back partners, while averaging (per 90) 5.9 duels won, 3.79 interceptions, 8.07 recoveries, and 5.07 passes to the final third.

Song Jun-seok

Song Jun-seok: Stepping up in the second-half of the 2024 season, Song Jun-seok looked extremely confident at left-back, and as a result was able to earn consistent minutes on the pitch. Tasked with playing in a similar fashion to Hwang Mun-ki on the opposite flank (though without as many overlaps), Song averaged (per 90) 4.71 interceptions, 9.49 recoveries, 6.84 passes to the final third, 1.73 passes to the penalty area, and 1.33 progressive runs. Now, the 23-year-old needs to keep building confidence, and show his worth as an ACL quality option in defence.

Choi Jung-hoon: Another fresh face, Choi Jung-hoon joins Gangwon to deepen the depth in the full-back positions. The 25-year-old most recently plied his trade in K3 with Yeoju FC, and so a move to a first-division club does represent a fairly significant step-up in his career, but one he will be confident can be made adeptly.

Park Ho-young: In the same vein as above, centre-back Park Ho-young also makes the leap to first-division football from K3, signing for Gangwon following a stint with Pocheon Citizen. At 6’4, the 25-year-old adds some noticeable height at the back for the Bears, something which could certainly aid their aerial defending, as well as set-piece attacking.

Midfielders

Lee You-hyeon

Lee You-hyeon: Rejuvenated once moved into Gangwon’s midfield last season, Lee You-hyeon has now joined the provincial club permanently, and will be looking to achieve more of the same success with the club. Possessing relentless energy to perform a box-to-box role efficiently, the 27-year-old last year averaged (per 90) 4.08 interceptions, 8.12 recoveries, 6.8 passes to the final third, 0.91 crosses, 0.86 progressive runs, and 0.5 shot assists. Now also a vice-captain with the team, Lee You-hyeon has the opportunity to become a key component of Jung Kyung-ho’s side.

Won Hee-do: Acquired as part of a swap deal with Jeju SK which saw solid utility player Yu In-soo head the other way, central midfielder Won Hee-do is another representation of Gangwon’s long-term goals to create a young, energetic team filled with top prospects. Nevertheless, the 19-year-old is currently yet to make a K League appearance, although you’d back that to change fairly quickly.

Yun Il-lok: After seeing plenty of game time for Ulsan HD as a full-back last season, Yun Il-lok has arrived at Gangwon looking like a far more versatile option for the club than during his 2023 loan. And, while signs may point to the 32-year-old slotting into Hwang Mun-ki’s role at RB, it may be smart to see Yun used in a similar way as Yu In-soo was last season, where he can seamlessly flit between winger and wing-back throughout the course of any given game.

Kim Dong-hyun

Kim Dong-hyun: Since returning from Gimcheon Sangmu, Kim Dong-hyun has picked up where he left off at Gangwon, which has subsequently seen him reclaim the captain’s armband ahead of the 2025 season. The central midfielder adds an extra layer of defensive solidity to the Bears too, and stands out through things like his per 90 average of seven duels won, 9.13 recoveries, and 5.39 interceptions.

Kim Yi-seok: Although he will be enlisting with Gimcheon Sangmu in April, Kim Yi-seok represents a reliable early-season option in midfield for Jung Kyung-ho. With two goals and one assist last campaign before an injury layoff, the 26-year-old was keen on utilising his attacking potential when tasked with a box-to-box role, yet still chipped in defensively with a per 90 average of 3.17 interceptions, 7.53 recoveries, and 7.5 duels won.

Choi Han-sol: Arriving from Ansan Greeners, 27-year-old Choi Han-sol brings quality depth to Gangwon. In 2024, the central midfielder was a consistently strong performer in K League 2, averaging (per 90), 5.5 passes to the final third, 0.9 dribbles, 0.7 crosses, 7.33 recoveries, 3.31 interceptions, while going on to accumulate three goals and two assists. Additionally, Choi Han-sol has seen himself trialled as a centre-back at points during the Bears’ pre-season, so could be called upon to bring versatility whenever necessary.

Kang Yun-gu: Signing from last season’s league winners Ulsan HD, Kang Yun-gu will be required to inject some creativity into Gangwon’s midfield, with the aim that he can establish himself as a top young player in K League 1. Last year, the 22-year-old wracked up two goals and one assist from his 972 minutes of first-team football, and averaged 1.57 progressive runs, 1.2 crosses, 1.39 dribbles, 0.74 shot assists, 2.41 passes to the penalty area, and 3.7 passes to the final third.

Kim Dae-woo

Kim Dae-woo: Last season, before an ankle injury led to an extended spell on the sidelines, Kim Dae-woo was in the best form of his career, and looked to be realising the potential he’d shown a couple of years ago. So, with a new contract, and undoubtedly the belief that he can be a difference maker whenever the opportunity arises, the 24-year-old could soon become a key figure in Gangwon’s spine, and improve on his per 90 averages of 0.56 through passes, 5.07 passes to the final third, 0.56 shot assists, and 1.41 dribbles.

Kim Kang-gook: Central midfielder Kim Kang-gook was at times an understated part of Gangwon’s successful 2024 season, but he doesn’t really deserve to be. Whenever called upon, the 28-year-old was dependable in the centre of the pitch, with the added bonus of being a solid set-piece taker, and calm passer. Every squad needs players like Kim Kang-gook in them, and he will likely be tasked with comparable responsibilities going forward.

Hwang Eun-chong: One of Gangwon’s most exciting rookie additions, Hwang Eun-chong has already featured fairly prominently in the Bears’ pre-season games in Türkiye, and has proven himself to be versatile across the midfield. Given he has already represented South Korea at youth level (U17 & U18), and impressed in the aforementioned training camp, there’s no reason why Hwang can’t find his way into Jung Kyung-ho’s first-team squads on a regular basis in 2025.

Choe Byung-chan: Adding some further depth to the wide midfield areas, Choe Byung-chan arrives at Gangwon following a spell with Bucheon. There, the 28-year-old was utilised as both a winger and wing-back, a role which helped him to three goals and three assists last campaign. Looking to get the ball into threatening areas frequently, the versatile midfielder averages (per 90) 2.48 crosses, 2.48 passes to the penalty area, 2.08 passes to the final third, and 0.32 through passes.

Forwards

Lee Sang-heon

Lee Sang-heon: A real star player in 2024, Lee Sang-heon was Gangwon’s most prolific outlet, scoring 13 goals and assisting eight. Thanks his ability to lead the line, as well as drop into midfield to add some creative spark, the 26-year-old is a vital asset for the club, and averages (per 90) an xG of 0.38, two shots, 3.04 dribbles, 1.3 progressive runs, 1.93 passes to the penalty area, and 0.79 shot assists.

Kim Do-hyun: Arriving from Busan IPark, 20-year-old Kim Do-hyun represents a promising U22 option on the wing. In 2024, the youngster averaged (per 90) 4.3 interceptions, 6.32 recoveries, 0.51 crosses, 3.03 attempted dribbles, and 1.77 passes to the final third, numbers that show positive signs for a long-term addition.

Lee Ji-ho: Signing for Gangwon as a rookie, striker Lee Ji-ho has the goal of reaching his potential at the Bears. The 22-year-old forward has been impressive during pre-season, scoring in a 2-1 win against Bruk-Bet Termalica, and has solid foundations in college football to build from going into his first professional campaign.

Cho Jin-hyuk (right)

Cho Jin-hyuk: Breaking into the first-team last year, Cho Jin-hyuk managed two goals and one assist during a promising campaign, and stood out for his strong dribbling ability (he averaged 2.1 successful dribbles per 90, from an attempted 4.37), in addition to being able to make smart runs into the box (per 90, he averaged 2.18 progressive runs, and 2.98 touches in the penalty area). As such, there’s plenty of reason to get excited for Cho Jin-hyuk in 2025, especially if he can take his game to the next level.

Kim Min-jun: Joining from Ulsan HD, Kim Min-jun is a winger looking to gain more consistent playing time as part of an improved Gangwon outfit. The 24-year-old notched two goals and one assist last campaign, and similarly to Cho Jin-hyuk is a strong ball carrier, with a per 90 average of 2.2 successful dribbles from an attempted 4.59, and a positive outlet through his 2.45 progressive runs, and 3.47 touches in the penalty area. Clearly, then, Gangwon have someone with untapped potential in Kim Min-jun, and Jung Kyung-ho will seek to bring it out of him as soon as possible.

Kim Hyeong-jin: In 2024, Kim Hyeong-jin set the record as Gangwon’s youngest-ever first-team player, beating Yang Min-hyuk by a matter of months. Now 18 though, and one of the Bears’ official rookie additions for the upcoming season, Kim will be hoping to accumulate minutes more consistently, and make a name for himself on the wing in the same way the likes of Yang Hyun-jun and Yang Min-hyuk have managed at Gangwon in recent years.

Kim Kyung-min

Kim Kyung-min: Since joining from FC Seoul last summer, Kim Kyung-min has been a strong impact player for Gangwon. Most notably, his brace against Jeonbuk in a 4-2 victory emphasised the type of energy and positivity he can bring in attack, while his (per 90) averages of 4.39 dribbles, 1.72 shots, 0.57 shot assists, and 1.53 passes to the final third shows a willingness to move the ball forward, create chances, and help the team however he can.

Jin Jun-seo: Another player with plenty of potential, Jin Jun-seo will head into 2025 with ambitions of becoming a more important part of what is generally a young Gangwon side. The 19-year-old scored a well-taken goal in a 4-2 victory against Jeonbuk last season, and has recently made appearances for South Korea’s U20 side. Comfortable as a striker or on the wing, new manager Jung Kyung-ho may well see Jin Jun-seo as a valuable U22 option.

Vitor Gabriel: After an injury kept him out for a large part of last year, the latter part of 2024 saw Vitor Gabriel get back up to speed in a high-flying Gangwon side. Largely deployed as a target-man, the Brazilian striker has excellent hold-up ability, and draws an average of two fouls per 90, while attempting 2.48 dribbles, and winning 8.7 duels.

Franko Kovacevic: On loan until the summer, Franko Kovacevic made an instant impact upon his arrival at Gangwon, scoring four times in his first six appearances. And, while he then failed to make another tangible goal contribution for the rest of 2024, there was plenty to like in the Croatian’s general play. Coming into this season, the 25-year-old will want to use his start to life in Korea as a template to work from as he aspires to come away from his loan move fulfilled.