Lee Kang-in’s path to stardom seemed almost predestined. Born in Incheon, South Korea’s third-largest city, Lee was immersed in a world of sports from a young age, thanks to his father, Lee Woon-seong, who was a taekwondo instructor and a passionate football fan—especially of the legendary Diego Maradona.
The Story of Lee Kang-in: A Football Talent with a Taekwondo Edge
Growing up, Lee was naturally drawn to physical activities, particularly football. He started playing the sport even before turning five, balancing it with taekwondo training, a testament to the influence of his father, who excelled in both disciplines. By the age of six, Lee was already a standout player in his local community.
The pivotal moment in Lee Kang-in’s career came in 2011 when he decided to elevate his football journey by trying out for Valencia CF in Spain. That bold move marked the beginning of an incredible journey that took him far from his modest beginnings in Incheon. This article delves into the life of Lee Kang-in, tracing his remarkable rise from a young boy with a passion for football to a South Korean sports icon.
Preamble:
Our biography of Lee Kang-in offers much more than just an overview of his technical skills on the pitch. It delves into his Childhood Story, Early Life, and the crucial role his parents, especially his father, Un-Seong Lee, played in his development. We also explore his Family Background, Lifestyle, and Personal Life, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the footballer.
In essence, this is the life story of Lee Kang-in, tracing his journey from a young boy with dreams to the moment he achieved fame. To give you a taste of what’s to come, we present a gallery capturing his growth from childhood to adulthood — a perfect introduction to the captivating biography of this South Korean football star.
The Early Life and Rise of Lee Kang-in: A Football Story Rooted in Taekwondo.
Lee Kang-in Childhood Story:
For those new to his story, Lee Kang-in was born on the 19th day of February 2001, in Incheon, South Korea. He is the youngest of three children born to his relatively private mother and his father, Un-Seong Lee. Growing up in Incheon, South Korea’s third-largest city, Lee spent his early years with his two older sisters, whose names he has yet to disclose.
See where young Lee Kang-in grew up in Asia.
Growing-up years:
Growing up at Incheon, young Lee was a kid with an interest in physical development and football. He began playing football before he was five years of age, a childhood sport that went hand in hand with his training in taekwondo.
Lee Kang-in began playing football when he was five years of age.
Lee Kang-in Family background
It is worthwhile to note that Lee’s interest in football and taekwondo was not sudden. They were talks that he took after his dad, who was both a taekwondo teacher and a soccer enthusiast.
As a result, Lee had the undying support of his dad and immediate family. They were hopeful that his early life interests in football would have a happy ending, just as it had promising beginnings.
Lee Kang-in’s family helped him secure good beginnings in the sport and were hopeful of an auspicious future for the youngster.
Lee Kang-in’s Education and Career Buildup:
Speaking of the hopeful beginnings, did you know that young Lee was only five years old – specifically on the 19th day of February 2001 – when he began playing football in his neighbourhood?
He began playing for his neighbourhood from the age of 5.
It wasn’t long before the football prodigy became a member of his school’s football team because there wasn’t any official Korean competition for kids of his age (5 years old) at the time.
Lee Kang-in’s Early Years in Football:
By the time Lee was six years of age, he had already become a standout local player. The development confidently saw him partake in a television sports reality football show known as Shoot-Dori.
Needless to say, Lee put up exceptional football performances on the show, a development that not only won the hearts of numerous Koreans but also saw his team win the prize of the show.
A rare capture of the football prodigy on the set of the football reality show.
Soon after, Lee Kang-in’s career began to gain momentum. His journey started at Yoo Sang-Chul’s youth academy, where he honed his skills for a while. In 2009, he took a significant step forward by joining the U-12 youth team of Incheon United FC, marking the beginning of his formal football training. Subsequent early career moves saw Lee play for Flyings FC while he was a student at Seokjeong Elementary School in Incheon.
Road To Fame Story:
The turning point of Lee’s career came in 2011 when he sought to take his career to greater heights by going for a tryout at Valencia CF in Spain.
It didn’t take long for the youth coaches to realize that Lee was a special player after watching him give the ball a few touches.
However, Valencia made a tough demand, requiring Lee’s family to come live with him in Valencia.
The request – which Lee’s parents said yes to – was seemingly Valencia’s way of recruiting the 10-year-old Korean without making it seem like they had broken laws by signing a minor. Notwithstanding, it was a demand that did aid Lee’s rapid development.
The youngster’s development was rapid at Valencia. Thanks to his family, who made the decision to live with him.
Lee Kang-in’s Biography – Rise To Fame Story:
Over the years at Valencia, Lee Kang-in developed both physically and tactically, rapidly rising through the club’s ranks. His hard work paid off when he made his first-team debut for Los Ches on October 30, 2018, in a 2–1 Copa del Rey victory over CD Ebro. This milestone made Lee the youngest Korean footballer to make a professional debut in Europe.
In the months that followed, Lee became a regular presence in both La Liga and Europa League matches. His talent shone on the international stage as well, as he led South Korea to an impressive runner-up finish in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Lee’s standout performances earned him the prestigious Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player.
This achievement, along with others, culminated in Lee being named the 2019 Asian Young Footballer of the Year. And as they say, the rest is history.
2019 was Lee’s year of major success.
Lee Kang-in Family Life:
Starting off, Lee Kang-in’s childhood story will always be a beautiful and inspiring read. Thanks to his family, who made it possible. Here we give you facts about Lee Kang In parents as well as his family members.
About Lee Kang-in’s father and mother:
Un-Seong Lee, the father of Lee, is a Taekwondo teacher and football enthusiast. However, not much is known about Lee’s mom.
Notwithstanding, we do know that both parents left their lives and everything they had at South Korea to support their son’s football aspirations by living with him in Valencia.
Lee loves them in equal measure and does his best to make them proud.
About Lee Kang-in’s siblings and relatives:
Online records about Lee Kang-in’s biography do point out that he has two little-known older sisters. There hasn’t been any mention of his brother.
Similarly, there are no records of the midfielder’s ancestry, particularly as it relates to his grandparents. Neither are his uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces known.
Personal Life:
Away from Lee Kang-in’s family life on-pitch penchant for being a headache to opposition defenders, the facts and opinions regarding his off-pitch persona are both unanimous and likeable. Fans confess to the fact that he is humble, emotionally driven and creative.
The impressive midfielder, whose Zodiac Sign is Pisces, regularly engages a few activities that pass for his interest and hobbies.
They include posing for photos, listening to music, travelling, surfing the internet, swimming and spending a good time with family and friends.
Not much is known about Lee Kang-in’s parents.
Lifestyle:
Regarding how Lee Kang-in makes and spends his money, he has a net worth of €1 million as of 2020.
The bulk of the midfielder’s wealth comes from the wages and salaries that he gets for playing football in Europe’s top leagues.
Also, Lee makes significant bucks from endorsements, a development that justifies the luxurious lifestyle that he lives.
Evidence of such a lifestyle includes the midfielder’s collection of expensive rides and the costly nature of the house/apartment where he lives in Spain.
The rising Asian footballer has a net worth of €1,00,000.
Lee Kang-in Facts:
You have read a great deal about Lee Kang-in’s childhood story and biography. Here are untold or lesser-known facts to help you get a complete picture of the Baller who believes he is part of a PSG team that can conquer Europe.
Lee Kang-in’s Tattoos:
Like his Korean counterpart – Son Heung-min, Lee has no tattoo yet, and he would most likely not get any. The midfielder preferably has an interest in watching his weight (68KG) and making the best out of his height (5 feet 8 inches.)
Fifa Rating:
Did you know that Lee has a poor FIFA rating of 71 points as of May 2020? The rating has yet to reflect significant improvements made by the player who was getting regular features in Champions League games before the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Thus, it is only a matter of time before we see the midfielder’s ratings reflect his potential of 88 points. Lee Kang-in’s FIFA stats do not reveal so much attacking prowess, unlike that of Takefusa Kubo and Hwang Hee-chan – a fellow Asian footballer.
Trivia:
2001 isn’t just the birth year of Lee Kang-in. It is the year that the Wiki free-content encyclopedia known as Wikipedia went online.
It was also the year that Apple Computer released the iPod. On the entertainment scene, films like Planet of The Apes, Shrek, and Ocean Eleven hit cinemas that same year.
Lee Kang-in’s Military Exemption:
Male citizens of South Korea must go through mandatory military service of at least 21 months.
However, there is an exemption for those who help the country win major honours like a football cup title. Lee has not yet won a title for his country.
Although he did well in leading South Korea’s U20 team to the semi-finals of the World Cup, his efforts weren’t enough to earn an exemption.
As such, he risks jail time or a ban from the country if he doesn’t earn an exemption before clocking 28 years of age.
His Korean international teammates, Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae, did earn military exemptions after they helped South Korea to win gold at the Asian Games in 2018. Lee could have been a part of the squad, but he had concerns about burnout and let go of the opportunity.
The attacking midfielder faces a potential career-ruining compulsory military service if he fails to earn an exemption.
Conclusion:
Thank you for reading this original write-up about Lee Kang-in’s biography. A Baller who, at the time of updating his story, enjoys a solid partnership with his PSG teammates, the likes of Manuel Ugarte (DM), Warren Zaire-Emery, etc. We strive for fairness and accuracy in our quest to deliver South Korean Football Stories.
Kindly reach out to us for more biographies of footballers who have made their names with Valencia and South Korea.
The Life History of Yunus Musah and Ferran Torres will excite you. From a South Korean perspective, the History of Cho Gue-sung will excite you. If you notice anything unusual or have any concerns about this article, please let us know by leaving a comment.
