Veteran Footballer Recounts Memorable World Cup Moments
Former national football team captain Kim Tae-young has shared candid insights into the experiences of South Korean players, particularly highlighting Son Heung-min’s resilience during the World Cup. These reflections were shared during a recent appearance on the KBS2 program ‘Bouffants’ Legendary Songs,’ where Kim, alongside Kwon Ja-cheol, delved into behind-the-scenes stories from the tournament.
Special World Cup Edition Features Football Icons
The 760th episode, broadcast on June 13th at 6:05 PM, was a special tribute to the ‘2026 FIFA North, Central and Caribbean Zone World Cup’ titled ‘Bouffants’ Legendary Songs – The 2026 Dream ★ Comes True.’ The program featured a lineup of artists including Kim Jang-hoon, Kang Gyun-sung, Yoon Sung, Mighty Mouth, and Ali, with special MCs Kim Tae-young and Kwon Ja-cheol. Notably, the song selections were personal requests from key players of the South Korean World Cup team, adding a unique layer of anticipation.
Kim Tae-young Recalls Personal World Cup Challenges
During the broadcast, Kim Tae-young recounted his own experiences from the ‘2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.’ He specifically mentioned wearing a distinctive ‘Tiger Mask’ after sustaining a head injury, a decision that drew attention. Kim humorously recalled, “My head was bleeding continuously, and Coach Hiddink and Coach Park Hang-seo tricked me into thinking it was just a scratch. I stuffed cotton in it and played the game.” He revealed that he has the tiger mask framed and preserved as a memento.
Son Heung-min’s Determination Praised
Addressing Son Heung-min’s participation in the ‘2022 Qatar World Cup’ with a black mask due to facial fractures, Kim Tae-young expressed his admiration. He remarked, “Seeing my juniors show such determination, I felt inspired.” This comment drew laughter from the audience, reflecting a sense of pride in the younger generation’s commitment.
Locker Room Atmosphere Contrasts Eras
Kim Tae-young and Kwon Ja-cheol also discussed the contrasting atmospheres in locker rooms across different eras. Kwon Ja-cheol shared, “We had large music speakers in the locker room, so we always listened to upbeat music. We often listened to songs by Girls’ Generation and KARA.” In contrast, Kim Tae-young stated, “Music was absolutely forbidden in our locker room back then. It was silent. Everyone was in their own world, listening to music through earphones and controlling their mindset.” This exchange highlighted the significant generational shift in pre-game rituals and team dynamics.
Surprising Song Choice Sparks Laughter
When asked about the song selection from his era, Kim Tae-young surprised everyone by naming Space A’s ‘Sexy Guy,’ eliciting a strong reaction. Comedian Kim Jun-hyun humorously commented, “It seems like Director Kim Tae-young went onto the field chanting, ‘I am sexy. I am sexy.'”
Ali and Kim Tae-young Reunite for Special Performance
The program also featured a reunion between Kim Tae-young and singer Ali, known for her powerful vocals. Ali performed ‘This Is Me’ from the movie ‘The Greatest Showman,’ a song requested by footballer Jo Hyun-woo. Ali expressed her determination, stating, “Having met the director after so long, I want to show my best performance in my field.” The episode promised a blend of passionate musical tributes and engaging World Cup behind-the-scenes stories.
South Korea Secures Crucial Victory
In recent World Cup qualifying news, the South Korean national team, under the guidance of coach Hong Myung-bo, secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic on June 12th (Korean time) at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. This match was part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Despite falling behind to a goal by Czech player Radislav Krejčí in the second half, South Korea rallied. Hwang In-beom scored the equalizer, and Oh Hyun-gyu netted the winning goal, securing three vital points. This win places Hong Myung-bo’s team alongside Mexico at the top of Group A with three points each, significantly boosting their chances of advancing to the Round of 32.
