Yongin FC Appoints First Manager Choi Yoon-kyum - SHINee Minho's Father Takes the Helm

Historic Appointment: Choi Yoon-kyum Named First Manager of Yongin FC

Football fans across South Korea are buzzing with excitement as Yongin Special City officially announced the appointment of Choi Yoon-kyum as the inaugural manager of their upcoming professional football club, tentatively named 'Yongin FC.' This historic moment marks a significant milestone in the club's journey toward K League 2 participation in 2026.

Mayor Lee Sang-il personally presented the appointment certificate to Manager Choi at the city hall, emphasizing the importance of this appointment for the club's future success. The ceremony symbolized not just a managerial appointment, but the birth of a new football legacy in Yongin, a city that has long been recognized for its football talent development through the Yongin Football Center.

The announcement has generated considerable interest not only from football enthusiasts but also from K-pop fans, as Choi Yoon-kyum is widely known as the father of SHINee member Choi Minho. This unique connection between Korean football and the entertainment industry has brought additional media attention to the club's formation, creating a bridge between sports and cultural content that could expand the team's fanbase beyond traditional football supporters.

From Player to Proven Manager: Choi Yoon-kyum's Distinguished Career

Choi Yoon-kyum's journey in football began as a player with Yukong Elephants (now Jeju United), where he established himself as a reliable defender before earning caps for the South Korean national team. His transition from player to coach has been marked by consistent success across multiple clubs and international assignments.

His managerial career spans diverse environments, including stints in Vietnam and Turkey, demonstrating his adaptability and tactical acumen. In the K League, he has managed teams including Bucheon FC, Daejeon Citizen, Gangwon FC, Busan IPark, Jeju United, and Chungbuk Cheongju FC. Each appointment has showcased his ability to adapt his tactical approach to different squad compositions and competitive environments.

What sets Choi apart is his reputation as a 'field-oriented manager' who combines tactical flexibility with exceptional organizational skills. His approach to team building focuses on creating cohesive units that can perform consistently under pressure, a quality that will be crucial for Yongin FC's debut season in professional football.

Tactical Philosophy and Modern Football Approach

Choi Yoon-kyum's tactical philosophy reflects contemporary football trends while maintaining practical effectiveness. His preferred style emphasizes short-pass build-up play, midfielder-centric game management, and situational formation adjustments that demonstrate his deep understanding of modern football dynamics.

His tactical flexibility allows him to adapt to different opponents and game situations, utilizing various formations to maximize his team's strengths while neutralizing opposition threats. This adaptability will be particularly valuable for Yongin FC as they prepare to compete in K League 2, where tactical versatility often determines success.

Beyond tactics, Choi is renowned for his 'gentle leadership' style that emphasizes respect for individual players. This approach has earned him recognition as one of K League's most respected 'virtuous leaders,' a reputation that speaks to his ability to develop not just skilled players but well-rounded individuals. His player management philosophy focuses on creating positive team culture while maintaining high performance standards.

Remarkable Success with Relegated and Expansion Teams

One of Choi Yoon-kyum's most impressive achievements came with Gangwon FC in 2015-2016. When the team was relegated to K League 2, many expected a lengthy rebuilding process. However, Choi's leadership and tactical reorganization led to immediate promotion back to K League 1 the following season, demonstrating his ability to revitalize struggling teams.

His experience with Busan IPark further showcased his promotional expertise, as he guided the team to the promotion playoffs, coming tantalizingly close to K League 1 promotion. These experiences have provided him with invaluable insights into the competitive dynamics of K League 2, knowledge that will be crucial for Yongin FC's ambitions.

Perhaps most relevant to his new role is his success with Chungbuk Cheongju FC, an expansion team similar to Yongin FC. Under his guidance, the newly formed club achieved a remarkable 14-game unbeaten streak, and Choi was awarded the K League Manager of the Year award. This experience with a startup club makes him uniquely qualified to handle the challenges and opportunities that come with building a football organization from the ground up.

Community Reactions and Fan Expectations

The appointment has generated mixed but generally positive reactions across Korean football communities. On popular forums like DC Inside and Nate Pann, fans have expressed cautious optimism about the choice, with many praising Choi's track record with expansion teams while acknowledging the unique challenges facing Yongin FC.

Positive reactions have focused on his proven ability to develop young talent and his success with newly formed teams. One representative comment from a football forum stated: 'Choi Yoon-kyum's experience with Cheongju FC shows he knows how to build a team from scratch. That's exactly what Yongin needs right now.' Another fan noted: 'His gentle leadership style could be perfect for integrating young players from the Yongin Football Center.'

However, some fans have expressed concerns about the pressure of managing a high-profile club launch, particularly given the additional media attention from his connection to the entertainment industry. Critics worry that external expectations might overshadow football development priorities. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment remains supportive, with fans eager to see how his tactical philosophy will translate to the club's playing style.

Building the Foundation: Next Steps for Yongin FC

With Choi Yoon-kyum's appointment, Yongin FC now has its core leadership structure in place, joining General Manager Kim Jin-hyung and Technical Director Lee Dong-gook. This triumvirate represents a blend of administrative expertise, technical knowledge, and tactical acumen that positions the club well for its 2026 launch.

The immediate priorities include player recruitment, youth development system establishment, and strategic planning for competitive success. Choi has emphasized his commitment to recruiting quality players and assembling a skilled coaching staff to create a foundation for sustainable success. His experience with the Yongin Football Center's talent pipeline will be particularly valuable in identifying and developing local talent.

Mayor Lee Sang-il's comments highlighted the emotional significance of having a professional club for locally developed players, many of whom have had to leave Yongin to pursue professional careers. The club's formation represents an opportunity to retain local talent while providing inspiration for the next generation of Yongin footballers. This vision aligns perfectly with Choi's player development philosophy and his commitment to creating a team that the community can proudly support.

Cultural Impact and Future Prospects

The appointment of Choi Yoon-kyum represents more than just a managerial decision; it symbolizes the intersection of Korean football culture and broader entertainment industry influence. His connection to SHINee's Minho has brought K-pop fan attention to the club formation, potentially expanding the team's appeal beyond traditional football demographics.

This cultural crossover could prove beneficial for the club's marketing and fan engagement strategies, as it demonstrates how Korean football continues to evolve in terms of public perception and media coverage. The appointment shows how modern football clubs must consider diverse audience segments and cultural connections when building their brand identity.

Looking ahead, Choi's task extends beyond immediate tactical success to building a sustainable football culture in Yongin. His proven track record with expansion teams, combined with his understanding of youth development and community engagement, positions him well to create a club that can compete effectively while maintaining strong local roots. The success of Yongin FC will likely influence other cities considering professional football expansion, making this appointment a significant moment in Korean football development.