Yeom Ki-hun (Korean염기훈; Hanja廉基勳; born 30 March 1983) is a South Korean football manager and former player. He is currently an assistant coach of the Indonesia national football team.[1]

Yeom Ki-hun
Yeom with Suwon Samsung Bluewings in 2011
Personal information
Date of birth (1983-03-30) 30 March 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth Haenam, Jeonnam, South Korea
Height 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Winger
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2005 Honam University
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2007 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 33 (7)
2007–2009 Ulsan Hyundai 35 (7)
2010–2023 Suwon Samsung Bluewings 331 (48)
2012–2013Korean Police (draft) 21 (7)
Total 420 (69)
International career
2006 South Korea U23 6 (1)
2005 South Korea Universiade
2006–2018 South Korea 57 (5)
Managerial career
2023–2024 Suwon Samsung Bluewings
2024– Indonesia (assistant)
Medal record
Representing  South Korea
Men's football
AFC Asian Cup
Bronze medal – third place 2007 Indonesia/Malaysia
/Thailand/Vietnam
Bronze medal – third place 2011 Qatar
EAFF Championship
Gold medal – first place 2008 China
Gold medal – first place 2017 Japan
Bronze medal – third place 2013 South Korea
*Club domestic league appearances and goals
Yeom Ki-hun
Hangul
염기훈
Hanja
廉基勳
Revised RomanizationYeom Gi-hun
McCune–ReischauerYŏm Kihun

Early life

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Yeom was a modern pentathlete while attending elementary school, but started playing football at Nonsan Middle School.[2] He played for Nonsan Middle School, Ganggyeong Commercial High School and Honam University.[2][3]

Club career

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Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

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Yeom joined K League club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 2006 after graduating from university. During his debut season, he contributed to an AFC Champions League title as well as scoring the winning goal in the first leg of the final,[4] and was named the K League Rookie of the Year.[5]

Ulsan Hyundai

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In July 2007, Yeom was transferred to Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i.[6] However, he sustained a stress fracture of one foot every year and could not appear in many matches.[7] Furthermore, he was largely criticised for having tryouts for Premier League club West Bromwich Albion without Ulsan's consent just after recovering from injury in 2008.[8]

Suwon Samsung Bluewings

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Early career

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Yeom moved to Suwon Samsung Bluewings in 2010 in exchange for defender Lee Jae-sung and additional transfer fee.[9] He made his Suwon debut in an AFC Champions League match against Singapore Armed Forces on 27 April 2010, and showed impressive performance as well as scoring two goals in the match.[10] He was blamed in South Korea after his poor performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but led Suwon to the Korean FA Cup title in that year.[11] He became Suwon's captain to replace Choi Sung-kuk, the previous captain and a match fixer,[12] and played as Suwon's core player by providing 20 assists including 14 K League assists in the 2011 season.[13][14]

Enlistment in Korean Police

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Yeom enlisted in the Korean Police Agency to perform alternative civilian service in 2012, and played for the football club of Korean Police in the 2012 R League.[15] Korean Police participated in the inaugural season of the K League Challenge (renamed K League 2 in 2018) the next year, and Yeom became the top assist provider of the league after having 7 goals and 11 assists during 21 appearances.[16][17]

Return to Suwon

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Yeom returned to Suwon after finishing his alternative service in the middle of the 2013 season, and was re-elected as the team captain in 2014.[18] Several West Asian clubs including Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab offered him big contracts in the summer of 2015,[19] but he extended his contract with Suwon.[20]

On 4 October 2015, Yeom had his 69th, 70th and 71st K League assists against Gwangju FC, breaking Shin Tae-yong's record of 68.[21]

Yeom became the top assist provider of the K League Classic (K League 1) for two consecutive seasons in 2015 and 2016.[22] He was a strong candidate for the Most Valuable Player award of the K League Classic by contributing to the most goals in 2015, but lost to winning team's striker Lee Dong-gook by a whisker.[23]

Instead, Yeom led Suwon to two more Korean FA Cup titles in 2016 and 2019. He won his second Most Valuable Player award in the 2016 tournament, becoming the first-ever player to be named the MVP in two Korean FA Cups.[24]

On 1 March 2018, Yeom assisted Lee Ki-je's goal against Jeonnam Dragons, having his 100th K League assist.[25]

Yeom set several records during the 2021 season. He made his 43rd appearance in the Korean FA Cup and his 391st appearance for Suwon in addition to his 400th appearance in the K League,[26] holding the records for most appearances in the Korean FA Cup and Suwon.[27][28]

Yeom retired as a player after spending his last season as a player-coach and a caretaker manager in 2023.

International career

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Yeom made his senior international debut in a friendly match against Ghana on 8 October 2006,[29]

Yeom played all six matches for South Korea until the third place match in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.[30]

Yeom was one of main players in the national team under manager Huh Jung-moo. He scored two goals against North Korea and Japan in the 2008 EAFF Championship, becoming one of the top scorers of the competition as well as leading South Korea to the title.[31] He also participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup,[32] but he didn't live up to fans' expectations during the competition. Especially, he got a crucial chance in front of Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero when Argentina held a 2–1 lead in the 57th minute, but he failed to convert the chance into the equaliser. He had been nicknamed the "Oen-bal-ui Masoolsa" (왼발의 마술사, Left-footed Magician) in South Korea before the World Cup, but his nickname "Masoolsa" (Magician) was changed to "Mabsosa" (맙소사; Oh, my god) by disappointed South Korean fans after the 4–1 loss to Argentina.[33] Nevertheless, Germany's sports magazine kicker evaluated him as the second best South Korean player in the World Cup.[34]

The national team managers also did not use Yeom as a main player after fans lost faith in him. He could participated in only FIFA World Cup qualification and EAFF Championship after playing as a substitute in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.[35][36] However, manager Shin Tae-yong frequently called him up before the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and so he was expected to return to the World Cup.[37] He also scored with a free kick against Japan in the 2017 EAFF Championship.[38] However, he suffered a rib fracture when playing for his club on 9 May 2018, one month before the competition.[39]

Managerial career

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After the 2022 season, Yeom agreed to a one-year contract extension with Suwon Samsung Bluewings as a player-coach, postponing his retirement as a player for one year. However, he was appointed caretaker manager on 25 September 2023 when Suwon was in danger of relegation.[40] Suwon was relegated to the K League 2 after the season,[41] but he was promoted to the permanent manager.[42] He was named the K League Manager of the Month for April 2024 by earning four consecutive wins in the K League 2, but resigned from his post after suffering five consecutive defeats the next month.[43]

Personal life

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Yeom often lost his health from early years. He had surgery on his right big toe when he was six years old, and became a left-footed player.[2] He suffered from Anemia and Meningitis during his schooldays.[2] He was wounded in the head by a car accident in July 2006, and sustained a stress fracture every year from 2007 to 2010.[7]

Career statistics

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Club

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[44]
Club Season League National cup League cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 2006 K League 20 3 2 0 11 4 10 3 43 10
2007 K League 13 4 0 0 5 1 0 0 18 5
Total 33 7 2 0 16 5 10 3 61 15
Ulsan Hyundai 2007 K League 3 1 0 0 0 0 3 1
2008 K League 16 4 1 0 3 1 20 5
2009 K League 16 2 0 0 4 1 1 0 21 3
Total 35 7 1 0 7 2 1 0 44 9
Suwon Samsung Bluewings 2010 K League 17 0 4 2 2 1 4 4 27 7
2011 K League 29 9 5 0 0 0 11 4 45 13
2013 K League 1 9 1 9 1
2014 K League 1 35 4 1 0 36 4
2015 K League 1 35 8 1 0 7 2 43 10
2016 K League 1 34 4 6 1 5 0 45 5
2017 K League 1 38 6 4 2 6 2 48 10
2018 K League 1 34 6 3 0 11 0 48 6
2019 K League 1 26 6 7 5 33 11
2020 K League 1 25 3 2 0 2 0 29 3
2021 K League 1 27 1 3 0 30 1
2022 K League 1 19 0 2 0 21 0
2023 K League 1 3 0 1 0 4 0
Total 331 48 39 10 2 1 46 12 418 71
Korean Police (draft) 2012 3 0 3 0
2013 K League 2 21 7 1 0 22 7
Total 21 7 4 0 25 7
Career total 420 69 46 10 25 8 57 15 548 102

International

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Scores and results list South Korea's goal tally first.[30]
List of international goals scored by Yeom Ki-hun
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 29 June 2007 Jeju World Cup Stadium, Seogwipo, South Korea   Iraq 1–0 3–0 Friendly
2 20 February 2008 Chongqing Olympic Sports Center, Chongqing, China   North Korea 1–0 1–1 2008 EAFF Championship
3 23 February 2008 Chongqing Olympic Sports Center, Chongqing, China   Japan 1–0 1–1 2008 EAFF Championship
4 11 June 2015 Kuala Lumpur Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia   United Arab Emirates 1–0 3–0 Friendly
5 16 December 2017 Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo, Japan   Japan 4–1 4–1 2017 EAFF Championship

Honours

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Player

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Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

Suwon Samsung Bluewings

South Korea

Individual

Records

Manager

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Individual

References

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  1. ^ "Yeom Ki-hun Recruited To Be Shin Tae-yong's Assistant In The Indonesian National Team". VOI. 7 August 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d [내 인생 이건몰랐지] 염기훈, 중 3때 경기 위해 환자복 입고 탈출. Ilgan Sports. 8 June 2010. Archived from the original on 22 July 2015. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
  3. ^ 염기훈, 고향사랑도 ‘국가대표급’ (in Korean). Daejon Ilbo. 4 August 2010. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
  4. ^ 전북,AFC 챔피언스리그 우승. Naver (in Korean). Kuki News. 9 November 2006. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  5. ^ a b 전북 염기훈, 2006 K-리그 신인왕 등극. Naver (in Korean). Sportalkorea. 20 December 2006. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  6. ^ 염기훈, 울산 현대로 이적. Naver (in Korean). Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  7. ^ a b 잊을만하면 찾아오는 염기훈의 '부상 잔혹사'. Naver (in Korean). Sportalkorea. 3 February 2010. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  8. ^ '염기훈 무단 입단 테스트 파문' 울산, 벌금-에이전트 중징계로 마무리. Naver (in Korean). Segye Ilbo. 8 January 2009. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  9. ^ 염기훈, 수원행 공식 발표… 이재성+현금 트레이드. Naver (in Korean). Sportalkorea. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  10. ^ '수원 데뷔전' 염기훈, "팀에 보탬된 후 남아공 꼭 가고싶다". Naver (in Korean). Osen. 27 April 2010. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  11. ^ [FA컵 리뷰] '염기훈 결승골' 수원, FA컵 2연패...ACL 진출. Naver (in Korean). Sportalkorea. 24 October 2010. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  12. ^ 수원, 염기훈 주장-고종수 트레이너 선임. Naver (in Korean). Sportalkorea. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  13. ^ 후반기에 더욱 매서워진 ‘염기훈의 발끝’ (in Korean). The Dong-a Ilbo. 26 September 2011. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  14. ^ [사진]김신욱,'드래곤볼의 퓨전 포즈로 세레머니!' (in Korean). The Chosun Ilbo. 23 November 2011. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  15. ^ 경찰청 입대하는 염기훈 '걱정하지 마세요!'. Naver (in Korean). Best Eleven. 7 December 2011. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  16. ^ 염기훈 제대에 수원은 방긋. Naver (in Korean). The Dong-a Ilbo. 23 September 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  17. ^ a b [챌린지 포커스] 1부리그 소속 염기훈, 2부리그 도움왕이 된 사연은?. Naver (in Korean). Footballist. 26 November 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  18. ^ 염기훈, 2011년 이어 2014년 수원 캡틴 선임. Naver (in Korean). Sportalkorea. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  19. ^ 수원 "염기훈 중동행 황당…재계약 언질 줬다" (in Korean). Sports Seoul. 21 July 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  20. ^ [오피셜] 수원, 염기훈과 2018년까지 재계약..레전드 대우. Naver (in Korean). Starnews Korea. 10 September 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  21. ^ ‘71개 최다 도움’ 수원 염기훈, 신태용 감독 기록 넘어서 (in Korean). The Dong-a Ilbo. 5 October 2015. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  22. ^ a b 수원삼성 염기훈, 2년 연속 도움왕 등극 (in Korean). Joongboo Ilbo. 8 November 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  23. ^ 4표 차의 MVP, 1표 차의 베스트11 ‘역대급 치열’ (in Korean). Maeil Business Newspaper. 1 December 2015. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  24. ^ a b < FA컵축구> 'MVP만 두번째' 수원 염기훈 "힘든 기억만 떠올라 울컥". Naver (in Korean). Yonhap News Agency. 3 December 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  25. ^ 염기훈, 프로축구 사상 최초 통산 100도움 달성. Naver (in Korean). InterFootball. 1 March 2018. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  26. ^ 수원의 상징, 염기훈 K리그 통산 400경기 출장. Facebook.com (in Korean). Suwon Samsung Bluewings. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  27. ^ 수원 염기훈, FA컵 최다 43경기 출전 기록 (in Korean). Kyeonggi Ilbo. 11 August 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  28. ^ 염기훈, 수원삼성 소속 최다 출전 신기록 달성! (in Korean). Suwon Samsung Bluewings. 21 November 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  29. ^ 설익은 '젊은 한국'…'신예들 시험대' 가나전 1-3패 (in Korean). Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  30. ^ a b "Yeom Ki-hun at Korea Football Association" (in Korean). KFA. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  31. ^ a b 염기훈-박주영-정대세-야마세, 동아시아 공동 득점왕. Naver (in Korean). Osen. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  32. ^ 허정무 감독, 월드컵 23인 최종엔트리 발표. Naver (in Korean). Edaily. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  33. ^ 왼발의 맙소사라고? 다시 '마법사'로 부활한다 (in Korean). The Chosun Ilbo. 19 August 2017. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  34. ^ "Weltmeisterschaft - Topspieler - 2010 - Finale" (in German). kicker. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  35. ^ 염기훈-최보경, 슈틸리케 호 첫 승선. Naver (in Korean). Newsen. 1 June 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  36. ^ [아시안컵]조광래호 최종 23명 확정…손흥민 등 해외파 12명 포함. Naver (in Korean). Newsis. 24 December 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  37. ^ 36살에 월드컵을…베테랑 염기훈이 그리는 '러시아의 꿈'. Naver (in Korean). Sports Seoul. 21 March 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  38. ^ '왼발 마법사' 염기훈, 왼발 프리킥으로 4번째 골...한국 4-1. Naver (in Korean). Edaily. 16 December 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  39. ^ 염기훈, 오른쪽 갈비뼈 골절 확인…월드컵 비상. Naver (in Korean). Kyunghyang Shinmun. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  40. ^ [단독]'김병수 감독과 전격 결별' 수원의 승부수는 '리빙레전드' 염기훈 대행 체제 (in Korean). The Chosun Ilbo. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  41. ^ 은퇴하는 ‘레전드’ 염기훈이 ‘강등의 총알받이’라니… 수원팬들 더 분노한 이유 (in Korean). The Chosun Ilbo. 4 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  42. ^ 염기훈 감독대행, 제9대 수원삼성 감독 선임 (in Korean). Suwon Samsung Bluewings. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  43. ^ a b [오피셜] '무패 우승 다짐' 염기훈 감독, 4개월 만에 자진 사임…수원 "신속히 후임 선임하겠다" (in Korean). Mydaily. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  44. ^ "Player information: Yeom Ki-hun" (in Korean). K League. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  45. ^ K리그 올스타전에 나설 별들 확정 (in Korean). The Chosun Ilbo. 30 July 2007. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  46. ^ K리그 올스타전 명단 발표…팀 클래식 vs 팀 챌린지 (in Korean). Xportsnews. 14 June 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  47. ^ [K리그]'별들의 전쟁' 2014올스타전, 출전 선수명단 확정 (in Korean). Newsis. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  48. ^ a b [K올스타전 생생리뷰] '염기훈 MVP' 팀 최강희vs팀 슈틸리케, 3-3 무승부. (in Korean). InterFootball. 17 July 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  49. ^ [2017 K리그 올스타전] 한국-베트남 수교 25주년 기념 K리그 올스타 x VIETNAM. Facebook (in Korean). K League. 28 July 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  50. ^ [FA컵] 수원이 꼽은 대구전 핵심, 대회 최다출전자 ‘베테랑 염기훈’ (in Korean). Spochoo. 24 May 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
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Sporting positions
Preceded by Suwon Samsung Bluewings captain
2011
Succeeded by