1. Early Life and Youth Career
Kim Eun-Hu's early life laid the foundation for his professional football career, marked by his participation in youth development programs and appearances for the national team at a young age.
1.1. Birth and Background
Kim Eun-Hu was born on May 23, 1990, in South Korea. He was initially known by his birth name, Kim Eui-Bum, but changed it to Kim Eun-Hu around 2010.
1.2. Youth and National Team Career
Kim Eun-Hu gained early recognition for his talent by representing South Korea at the youth level. Under his birth name, Kim Eui-Bum, he was part of the South Korean squad for the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup. In that tournament, he was listed as player number 15, indicating his involvement in the national team's efforts on the global stage.
2. Club Career
Kim Eun-Hu's professional career saw him move between several prominent clubs in the South Korean professional football league system, contributing to various teams over several seasons.
2.1. Professional Debut and Club Activities
Kim Eun-Hu began his professional club career in 2009 when he joined FC Seoul. Notably, he entered the club as a "non-draft signing" (번외지명Korean), a pathway for players not selected through the official draft to join professional teams, often after trials or direct invitations.
q=Seoul|position=left
After his time with FC Seoul, he moved to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors for the 2010 season. His contributions there included an assist during his participation in the K-League Reserve League. Following his stint with Jeonbuk, he transferred to Gangwon FC, where he played for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, making significant appearances in both the league and cup competitions. His career later saw him join Mokpo City FC, though the exact tenure is not fully detailed.
2.2. Career Statistics
The following table details Kim Eun-Hu's professional club performance across various competitions:
| Club performance | League | Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| South Korea | League | KFA Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||||
| 2009 | FC Seoul | K League | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| 2010 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | K League | 6 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 |
| 2011 | Gangwon FC | K League | 10 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 16 | 1 |
| 2012 | Gangwon FC | K League | 15 | 1 | 3 | 0 | - | 18 | 1 | |
| Career total | 37 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 50 | 3 | ||
3. Honors
Kim Eun-Hu received one notable individual honor during his professional career.
- K-League Reserve League Top Assistor: 2010
4. Controversies
Kim Eun-Hu's career was significantly impacted by an off-field incident that drew public attention and criticism.
4.1. Drunk Driving Incident
In January 2014, Kim Eun-Hu was involved in a drunk driving incident that led to his apprehension by the police. The incident occurred when he was driving a friend's Mini Cooper vehicle and was caught making an illegal U-turn. Upon being stopped and tested, his blood alcohol concentration was found to be at a level sufficient for license suspension. This event garnered negative publicity and posed a significant challenge to his public image and professional standing as a footballer.
5. Assessment
Kim Eun-Hu's football career presents a mixed assessment of on-field potential and off-field challenges. Early in his career, his inclusion in the South Korean U-17 World Cup squad as Kim Eui-Bum highlighted his promising talent at the youth level, indicating a future with potential in professional football. His early professional years saw him contribute to notable K League clubs, including FC Seoul, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, and Gangwon FC. The individual honor of being the K-League Reserve League's top assistor in 2010 further underscored his attacking capabilities and vision on the field.
However, his career trajectory was significantly impacted by the 2014 drunk driving incident. Such conduct off the field can severely damage a public figure's reputation and lead to professional repercussions, overshadowing their athletic achievements. While the full extent of the incident's impact on his subsequent club activities is not comprehensively detailed, it marked a critical turning point in his public perception. Ultimately, his career is viewed through the lens of both his contributions as a midfielder and the challenges posed by his personal conduct.