1. Personal Information
Mun Kyung-gun was born on February 9, 1995, in Busan, South Korea. He is a South Korean national. He stands 74 in (187 cm) tall and weighs 179 lb (81 kg), and is right-footed. His primary position is goalkeeper.
2. Youth and University Career
Mun Kyung-gun began his football journey in the fourth grade of elementary school, initially playing as a midfielder. He transitioned to the goalkeeper position due to his notable height compared to his peers. Although his father initially opposed this change, Mun quickly developed a strong affinity for the role. He gained recognition as a "PK-strong GK" for his frequent and successful penalty saves in various tournaments. He attended Busan Geumjeong Elementary School, Changnyeong Middle School, and Bukyeong High School. In 2014, he enrolled in Kwangwoon University and joined its football club, playing there until August 2017. Despite the absence of a dedicated goalkeeper coach at Kwangwoon University, Mun proactively sought personal training from the goalkeeper coach at Yongin University on weekends, demonstrating his commitment to development.
3. Professional Career
Mun Kyung-gun's professional career began in Japan, where he spent several seasons before returning to South Korea to play in the K League, including a period for military service, and eventually rejoining his former Japanese club.
3.1. Move to J.League
Mun Kyung-gun harbored aspirations of playing in the J.League from his time at Kwangwoon University. He was particularly inspired by the atmosphere of matches involving fellow South Korean player Kim Min-tae in Japan, which solidified his desire to challenge himself professionally at a young age. On August 3, 2017, he officially joined Oita Trinita, a club in the J2 League.
3.1.1. Oita Trinita (2017-2020)
Mun Kyung-gun officially joined Oita Trinita on August 3, 2017. During his first year in 2017, he did not make any official appearances. In 2018, his second year with the club, he was named to the bench for the first time in a J2 League match against Albirex Niigata during the 13th round. His professional debut came shortly after, on June 6, 2018, when he started in the second round of the Emperor's Cup against Renofa Yamaguchi FC. Although Oita Trinita was promoted to J1 League in 2019, Mun did not feature in any official matches that season. His performance in the J.League Cup match against Gamba Osaka on August 5, 2020, earned him significant praise. This led to his J.League debut as a starter in the J1 League 9th round match against Kawasaki Frontale on August 8, 2020. Following this, he temporarily secured the regular starting position over Shun Takagi, making 17 league appearances during the 2020 season. He departed Oita Trinita at the end of 2020 to fulfill his mandatory military service.
3.2. Return to K League and Subsequent Clubs
After his initial tenure in Japan, Mun Kyung-gun returned to South Korea, playing for several clubs in both the K League 1 and K League 2 before fulfilling his military obligations.
3.2.1. Daegu FC (2021)
In 2021, Mun Kyung-gun returned to South Korea and joined Daegu FC, a club in the K League 1. However, his tenure was brief and impacted by a shoulder injury, limiting him to only two league appearances. His contract with Daegu FC was terminated on July 20, 2021.
3.2.2. Ansan Greeners FC (2021)
Following his departure from Daegu FC, Mun Kyung-gun immediately joined Ansan Greeners FC in the K League 2 on July 20, 2021, where he played until December of that year.
3.2.3. Jeju United FC (2022-2023)
Ahead of the 2022 season, Mun Kyung-gun transferred to Jeju United FC. He remained with the club until 2023.
3.3. Military Service (Gimcheon Sangmu FC)
During his time with Jeju United FC, Mun Kyung-gun fulfilled his mandatory military service in South Korea. From 2022 to 2023, he played for Gimcheon Sangmu FC, a professional football club operated by the Republic of Korea Armed Forces that allows professional athletes to continue their careers while serving.
3.4. Return to Oita Trinita (2024-)
In 2024, Mun Kyung-gun made a full return to Oita Trinita, four years after his initial departure. He joined on a permanent transfer from Jeju United FC and has since resumed his activities with the club.
4. International Career
Mun Kyung-gun has represented South Korea at various youth levels. He was part of the U-16 Korea national team in 2010. He also played for the U-22 Korea national team in 2016 and the U-23 Korea national team in 2017. Furthermore, he represented South Korea at the Universiade in 2017, participating in the Taipei tournament.
5. Playing Style and Attributes
Mun Kyung-gun is primarily known for his strong performances in penalty shootouts, earning him the moniker "PK-strong GK". His playing style emphasizes his ability to contribute to build-up play from the back, demonstrating composure and confidence in distributing the ball.
6. Career Statistics
| Club performance | League | Cup | League Cup | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | Jersey No. | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Japan | |||||||||||
| 2017 | Oita Trinita | 22 | J2 League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | J2 League | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2019 | J1 League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2020 | J1 League | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 0 | ||
| Japan J1 Total | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 0 | |||
| Japan J2 Total | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 18 | 0 | |||
| South Korea | |||||||||||
| 2021 | Daegu FC | 27 | K League 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Ansan Greeners FC | K League 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | ||
| 2022 | Gimcheon Sangmu FC | K League 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2023 | K League 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||
| South Korea K1 Total | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |||
| South Korea K2 Total | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | |||
| Japan | |||||||||||
| 2024 | Oita Trinita | 22 | J2 League | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 17 | 0 |
| 2025 | J2 League | ||||||||||
| Career total | 39 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 45 | 0 | |||
7. Awards and Honors
7.1. Club
- Kwangwoon University
- U-League King of Kings: 2014