The loyal guardian aiming for the world title for the fourth time vows to "repay the favor" by winning the championship
GK 81 Kim Seung-gyu
Introducing all the Blue-Red warriors participating in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League 2026 season in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What kind of thoughts do the players hold, and with what determination are they preparing to face the special half-season tournament and the year ahead?
Kim Seung-gyu aims to participate in the FIFA World Cup for the fourth time as a representative of South Korea. From the start of the new season, he has shown remarkable determination that has caught the attention of those around him, striving to fulfill his dreams in blue and red, and as a member of the South Korean national team. Behind this is his desire to repay the "debt" he feels towards those around him.
Qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the fourth consecutive tournament is at stake. Naturally, emotions must be running high. Kim Seung-gyu's determination has been on a different level since the start of this season. I overheard teammates unanimously saying, "Seung-gyu is incredible."
"My determination for this season is strong, so it's different from usual. There is also the Club World Cup. Moreover, because I signed a contract with FC Tokyo, my passion and motivation are different from before. I must prepare thoroughly for the special tournament called the Club World Cup. For that reason, I want to perform well in Tokyo and show everyone a wonderful performance on the Club World Cup stage."
In the 2025 season, it was Tokyo that extended a helping hand to Sungyu, who was going through a tough rehabilitation life aiming to recover from his second major injury. After his transfer was decided in June during the special transfer period, he continued to show big saves that saved the struggling team with overwhelming presence, as if to repay that favor after returning to the lineup.
And he successfully returned to the South Korean national team. After the season ended, offers came from clubs both domestic and abroad, but Sungyu once again grasped the hand extended by the Red and Blue.
"Despite having a major injury, Tokyo prepared various support measures for my recovery. Thanks to that, I believe I was able to return to the lineup. I wanted to repay that kindness by winning the championship. That is why I decided to sign a contract with this club again."
The dream is not only to participate and excel in the World Cup. There is another dream. It is to repay the selfless devotion of his wife Jingyeong, who supported him through a long rehabilitation period.
"My wife supported me tirelessly, even when she had no time to sleep. Even when I could barely walk, she devotedly stood by me at all times. That's why I want to show my wife that I can play soccer healthy and without injury. Above all, she is happy about that."
Then, Sungyu said, "And then..." and shyly put it into words.
"I have never won a championship before. So, someday I want to lift the shield or cup together with my wife. Of course, I want to help everyone with big saves this season as well, and since there will be penalty shootouts in this half-season, I will be a source of strength for everyone there too."
He is a loyal man. To fulfill two dreams, the reliable guardian claps his hands and serves as the lord of the blue and red even in the special half-season tournament.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
