Busan IPark 2020 Player Profiles
Busan IPark have bolstered their exciting young squad with some experienced new recruits as they prepare for the club's long-awaited return to the K League 1. Here's a look at the players to watch out for in 2020.
Squad Overview
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Fowards
7. Kim Byung-oh (30 years old - LW) [NEW SIGNING]Experienced wing-forward who adds depth to Busan’s front line. Signed from Suwon FC, Kim rose from the National League in 2014 to the K1 in the space of two seasons. Primarily right-footed, but strikes the ball equally well with his left.
9. Gustavo Vintecinco (24 - CF) [NEW SIGNING]
{2019: 27 games, 9 goals, 3 assists for Ansan Greeners}
Powerful striker from Brazil. Scored nine goals for Ansan Greeners in the K2 last season, but also collected eleven yellow cards and three reds. A direct replacement for Soma Novothny, who was largely a back-up to Lee Jeong-hyeop but occasionally started as part of a front two.
11. Lee Dong-joon (23 - RW/LW/CF)
Busan’s hot property and rising star, Lee won the K League 2 MVP award last season after racking up 13 goals and seven assists. Has scintillating pace and his finishing is improving rapidly. Could make waves in the top division this season.
13. Kwon Yong-hyun (28 - LW/RW)
{2019: 30 games, 2 goals, 4 assists}
Diminutive winger is a tricky dribbler who specializes in tight spaces in and around the box. Had a great start to last season but often lacks an end product and is preferred as an impact substitute when things aren’t going Busan’s way.
18. Lee Jeong-hyeop (28 - CF)
Busan’s first-choice striker, a selfless runner who excels at bringing wingers and midfielders into play. Not prolific in front of goal, but scored a career-best of 13 last year and is still on the fringes of the national team.
20. Jung Sung-min (31 - CF/CAM)
{2019: 1 game, 0 goals, 0 assists}
Signed for Busan a year ago, but only managed one league appearance in a debut season ravaged by injury problems. Scored 10 goals for Seongnam in 2018 but has spent most of his career in the K2, his last appearance in the top tier coming for Gyeongnam in 2013.
22. Han Ji-ho (31 - LW/RW)
{2019: 32 games, 4 goals, 3 assists}
Last year’s club captain who has been on IPark’s books since 2010. An unselfish winger, Han struggled for end product last season and wasn’t guaranteed of a starting spot. Likely to be rotated again this year, but remains a popular and important part of the squad.
32. Park Gwan-woo (23 - CF/RW/LW) [NEW SIGNING]
{2019: 8 games, 0 goals, 0 assists for Seongnam FC}
Young striker signed from Seongnam. Only made three starts for the Magpies last season after transferring from Ansan Greeners, for whom he scored one goal in 16 appearances in 2018. Unlikely to see much playing time in a fully fit squad.
40. Jonatan Ferreira Reis (30 - LW/RW/CAM/CF) [NEW SIGNING]
{2019: 16 games, 4 goals for Suphanburi; 12 games, 7 goals for BG Pathum United}
Versatile Brazilian who could play anywhere across Busan's front line. Spent the last three years in Thailand, and was the second division's top scorer in 2017 with 28 goals. Questions have been raised about his attitude, but could be a useful signing if he settles in quickly.
Midfielders
8. Park Jong-woo (31 - CDM/CM)
Experienced campaigner who featured regularly for the national team after an impressive Olympics in 2012. Has played for three different teams in the Asian Champions League, and was in the top five players in the K2 last season for passes (1st), tackles (5th), and assists (4th). Leader.
10. Rômulo (24 - CM/CAM)
Brazilian playmaker now in his fourth year with the club. A master in dead ball situations and lethal from range, Rômulo is calm in possession and tenacious without. Scored 14 last year and remains crucial to this Busan side.
14. Kim Jeong-hyun (26 - CDM/CM) [NEW SIGNING]
{2019: 18 games, 1 goal, 1 assist for Seongnam FC}
Defensive midfielder signed from Seongnam to provide competition for Park Jong-woo. Tall and mobile, Kim offers more pace at the base of midfield. Began his career in Japan with a four-year spell at Oita Trinita.
23. Kim Jin-gyu (23 - CAM/CM/LW)
Talented and versatile midfielder, thrived on the left wing in 2018 but returned to his default central role last season. Often plays as the most advanced of a midfield three, Kim loves to burst into the box and link up with the forward line. Likely to be a part of Korea’s Olympic squad next year.
24. Lee Gyu-seong (25 - CM/CDM/CAM) [RETURNING FROM MILITARY DUTY]
{2019: 35 games, 0 goals, 3 assists for Sangju Sangmu}
Capable of playing a number of roles in the middle, Lee is a bustling midfielder with an eye for defence-splitting passes. Scored on his Busan debut at the age of 21. Thrived in a holding role for army team Sangju Sangmu last season, but could be given more attacking rein back at his parent club.
30. Kwon Hyeok-gyu (19 - CM/CAM/LW/CF)
{2019: 2 games, 0 goals, 0 assists}
188cm teenage midfielder who is confident on the ball and covers a lot of ground. Played as a centre forward in pre-season and scored four in a 9-1 win over Daegu University. Looks likely to benefit from the league's U22 rule and see more game time than expected. One for the future.
28. Lee Ji-seung (21 - CM) [NEW SIGNING]
{2019: N/A}
Central midfielder signed from Ulsan Hyundai, though he never appeared for their first team. Described by the club as being an energetic player with good passing and shooting skills.
44. Seong Ho-yeong (21 - CM/RW)
{2019: N/A}
Rookie midfielder. Named teammate Kim Jin-gyu as his role model.
Defenders
2. Jeong Ho-jeong (31 - CB/LB){2019: 7 games, 0 goals, 0 assists}
Entering his fourth year with the club, Jeong lacks pace but is a good reader of the game and strong in the air. Injuries restricted his appearances last year, and could find himself down the pecking order with the arrivals of Kang Min-soo and Kim Dong-woo.
3. Park Joon-gang (28 - RB/LB)
{2019: 14 games, 0 goals, 2 assists}
A Busan stalwart, Park is Kim Moon-hwan’s go-to understudy, but is equally comfortable on the left side. Not as competent defensively as Kim, but has pace and loves to get forward to make attacking contributions. A useful squad member.
4. Kang Min-soo (34 - CB) [NEW SIGNING] [CAPTAIN]
{2019: 23 games, 3 goals, 0 assists for Ulsan Hyundai}
A veteran with almost 400 K League appearances and over 30 showings for the national team, Kang is a league legend who still turned out regularly for K1 runners-up Ulsan last year. Now 34, Kang might not have the legs of old, but his experience could be vital as Busan aim to tighten a fragile defence.
5. Dostonbek Tursunov (24 - CB) [NEW SIGNING]
Uzbekistan international who played in the Japanese second division last year; started the season well but lost his starting place after an injury. A regular for his country in various youth tournaments, including the AFC U23 Championship in 2018, which Uzbekistan won.
6. Kim Dong-woo (32 - CB) [NEW SIGNING]
{2019: 26 games, 0 goals, 0 assists for Jeju United}
A towering centre back with three K League titles to his name (all with FC Seoul), Kim is a shrewd reinforcement who brings vital experience to last year’s often naïve back line. Despite a forgettable year with a poor Jeju team in 2019, Kim could still have a lot to offer in the K1.
15. Kim Myung-joon (25 - CB)
{2019: 32 games, 2 goals, 1 assist}
Long-time servant who has arguably been Busan’s most reliable defender over the past two years. Reads the game well and good in the air, he has more competition for his place this season but cannot be ignored.
17. Yoon Suk-young (30 - LB/LW) [LOAN SIGNING]
Vastly experienced left back who once played for Queens Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic in England. Part of Korea’s bronze medal winning 2012 Olympic team and played in all three of Korea’s games at the 2014 World Cup.
19. Lee Ji-min (26 - LB/RB) [NEW SIGNING]
{2019: 8 games, 1 goal for Gimhae City}
Stocky full-back was a regular for Seongnam in 2017 but turned out for Gimhae City in the National League last season. Naturally left-sided but featured regularly at right back in pre-season. Likely to be back-up to Yoon Suk-young this year.
26. Lee Sang-joon (20 - RB/RW)
{2019: 4 games, 1 goal, 1 assist}
Young full back with plenty of attacking intent, Lee was part of Korea’s U20 World Cup squad last year and has impressed in cameos for Busan’s first team. Still likely to be down in the pecking order at right back, but has plenty of potential and is one to watch for the future.
27. Park Kyung-min (20 - LB/LW)
{2019: 4 games, 0 goals, 0 assists}
Youngster got a run of games at the back-end of last season and impressed with eye-catching performances. Quick and eager to get forward, Park might not see many minutes this year but will grab any opportunity by the horns.
33. Kim Moon-hwan (24 - RB/LB)
Started his career as a winger but is currently a regular at right back in Paulo Bento’s Korea team. Kim is attack-minded but has the engine to run shuttles up the touchline all day long, and his defensive acumen is solid enough. A fan favourite with a big chance of being Korea’s starting right back in Qatar.
35. Park Ho-young (21 - CB)
{2019: 7 games, 0 goals, 0 assists}
Now entering his third year with the club, the 193cm centre back made seven appearances last season, including two starts towards the end of the year. A promising defender, and his towering presence makes him a useful option off the bench.
45. Hwang Joon-ho (22 - CB)
{2019: 15 games, 0 goals, 0 assists}
190cm centre back saw plenty of game time in his debut season. Has plenty of potential, but Busan shipped 16 goals in his seven starts last year and he is unlikely to get as many minutes this time round.
Goalkeepers
1. Kim Ho-joon (35 - GK) [NEW SIGNING]{2019: 28 games, 35 goals conceded, 8 clean sheets for Gangwon FC}
A sensible signing for a previously green defence, Kim has a wealth of K League experience with over 300 appearances to his name. Has been first-choice between the sticks for most of his career, but will have to compete with Choi Pil-soo for a starting berth this year.
21. Choi Pil-soo (28 - GK)
{2019: 17 games, 16 goals conceded, 8 clean sheets}
Joined mid-season last year and has to be credited for bringing a calm presence to a previously nervy defence. Solid in the air and a good shot stopper, Choi earned his place in the team last season and arguably deserves to start 2020 as Busan’s first choice.
25. Kim Jeong-ho (21 - GK)
{2019: 2 games, 5 goals conceded, 0 clean sheets}
Made two appearances at the tail end of last season and looked assured despite conceding five goals. Likely to start this year as he started the last – as third choice keeper.
Joined mid-season last year and has to be credited for bringing a calm presence to a previously nervy defence. Solid in the air and a good shot stopper, Choi earned his place in the team last season and arguably deserves to start 2020 as Busan’s first choice.
25. Kim Jeong-ho (21 - GK)
{2019: 2 games, 5 goals conceded, 0 clean sheets}
Made two appearances at the tail end of last season and looked assured despite conceding five goals. Likely to start this year as he started the last – as third choice keeper.
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