Busan IPark Land North Korean International Midfielder Ri Yong-jik on Loan from FC Anyang

Busan IPark have bolstered their midfield ranks with the loan signing of veteran North Korean international Ri Yong-jik from FC Anyang in a player swap deal involving Im Min-hyeok.

Ri becomes the third North Korean international to sign for the club, following in the footsteps of An Yong-hak and An Byong-jun. The 32-year-old defensive midfielder is expected to bring physicality, leadership, and valuable experience to the Busan engine room as they push for promotion in the K League 2.

Standing at 187cm with a strong frame and combative style, Ri is known for his tenacious defensive work, composed ball retention, and intelligent passing. In addition to his midfield duties, he is also capable of slotting into central defence, offering Busan valuable versatility at the back.

Prior to joining Anyang in 2023, Ri enjoyed a decade-long career in Japan's J.League. After making his professional debut with Tokushima Vortis in 2013, he went on to represent several clubs including V-Varen Nagasaki, Kamatamare Sanuki, FC Ryukyu, and Tochigi SC. Across his J.League career, he amassed 261 appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing 8 assists.

Internationally, Ri has been a mainstay for the North Korean national team since 2014. He played a key role in their silver-medal run at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon and has featured in major tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup, the EAFF E-1 Championship, and the Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup.

Last season, Ri made 29 appearances for Anyang in the K League 2, scoring three goals and adding one assist to help his side mount a promotion challenge. He continued to be a regular starter in the top flight this year, appearing in 14 matches for the club before his mid-season switch.

Speaking after completing his move to Busan, Ri said:

“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave the team I liked the most in Korea, but I arrived with determination and a sense of responsibility. I will do my best to help Busan achieve their goal of promotion by delivering strong performances on the pitch.”

Ri Yong-jik is expected to make an immediate impact in the second half of the season as Busan look to climb the table and secure a return to the K League 1.