“From Injury Comeback to International Debut”
Pohang's Lee Ho-jae earns first-ever Korea call-up, follows in father's footsteps

Lee Ho-jae, the towering striker for Pohang Steelers, has been called up to the South Korean national team for the first time in his career—marking a proud milestone not just for himself, but also for his family. With this selection, Lee joins a rare group of father-son duos to have both worn the Taeguk mark, following in the footsteps of his father, former Korea international and current Yanbian Longding manager Lee Ki-hyung.

The Korea Football Association announced the national team squad on Sunday for the upcoming 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, and three Pohang players made the list: Lee Ho-jae, right-back Park Seung-wook, and left-back Lee Tae-seok. The trio will join the national team after completing their K League fixture against FC Seoul on June 29.

Lee Ho-jae has steadily climbed the ranks since joining Pohang in 2021. After netting just two goals in 15 appearances during his rookie season, he broke out in 2024 with 9 goals and 5 assists in 27 matches before an ankle injury prematurely ended his campaign. Undeterred, he returned stronger in 2025, scoring 8 goals and providing 1 assist in 19 games so far this season. Known for his aerial dominance, hold-up play, and physical presence up front, Lee brings a new attacking dimension to the national team setup.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to be called up—it’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” said Lee. “Rather than feeling nervous, I feel a sense of duty and pride. I’ll give everything I have to prove myself worthy of this jersey.”

His father, Lee Ki-hyung, was a stalwart full-back for Korea in the 1990s and featured in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The Lees now become one of the rare few father-son combinations in Korean football history to represent the senior national team—joining the ranks of Kim Pan-gon and Kim Jin-soo, among others.

Right-back Park Seung-wook, recently discharged from military service, makes his return to the squad after showing solid form upon rejoining Pohang. Meanwhile, Lee Tae-seok continues to cement his role as Korea’s go-to left-back with a string of consistent performances this season.

With three players earning national team call-ups, Pohang Steelers are enjoying a celebratory moment that also reflects the club's strong development culture. The squad, managed by Kim Gi-dong, remains in contention near the top of the K League 1 standings and will look to carry that momentum into their Round 21 clash against FC Seoul at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

For Lee Ho-jae and his teammates, the national call-up isn’t just a reward for past performances—it’s a challenge to rise to another level on the international stage.