Shin Kwang-hoon

2.1. Childhood and education

Shin Kwang-hoon was born on March 18, 1987, in Jumchon-si (점촌시_Jumchon-si^Korean), Gyeongsangbuk-do, which is now part of Mungyeong-si (문경시_Mungyeong-si^Korean). He received his primary and secondary education within the Pohang Steel system, attending Pohang Jecheol Elementary School, Pohang Jecheol Middle School, and Pohang Jecheol Technical High School.

2.2. Nicknames

Shin Kwang-hoon earned the nickname 'Little Kang Chul' due to his physical resemblance to the football coach Kang Chul. He is also known as 'Wild Ox' because of his aggressive and charging style of play on the field, which is often compared to a wild ox.

3.1. Early career and Pohang Steelers debut (2006-2008)

Shin Kwang-hoon started his professional football career when he joined Pohang Steelers in 2006. He made his K League debut with the club. During his initial three years, he made 19 appearances, including those in the Korean League Cup.

3.2. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2008-2010)

In July 2008, Shin Kwang-hoon moved to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors as part of a player swap loan deal, with Stevica Ristić (commonly known as Stevo) going to Pohang Steelers. The initial loan agreement was for a period of two and a half years. During his time at Jeonbuk, he increased his playing opportunities significantly, making 15 league appearances in his first year. He contributed to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors winning the K League title in 2009.

3.3. Return to Pohang Steelers (2010-2014)

Shin Kwang-hoon returned to his parent club, Pohang Steelers, in July 2010. Upon his return, he established himself as a starting right-back for the team. He played a crucial role in the club's successes during this period, contributing to Pohang Steelers' third-place finishes in the K League 2011 and K League 2012 seasons. He was also instrumental in the team winning the Korean FA Cup in 2012 and 2013, and the K League Classic title in 2013.

3.4. Military service (2015-2016)

After the 2014 season, Shin Kwang-hoon enlisted in the Police team, Ansan Mugunghwa FC, to fulfill his mandatory military service. During the 2016 season, he served as the team's vice-captain and played a key role in helping them reach the upper ranks of the league. He was discharged on September 3, 2016, and subsequently returned to Pohang Steelers.

3.5. FC Seoul (2017-2018)

On January 3, 2017, Shin Kwang-hoon's transfer to FC Seoul was officially announced. Upon his move, he expressed his determination to excel in both defensive and offensive aspects of his play. He was regarded as one of the best full-backs in the K League.

3.6. Gangwon FC (2019-2020)

Prior to the 2019 season, Shin Kwang-hoon joined Gangwon FC. He played for the club for two seasons.

3.7. Second return to Pohang Steelers (2021-present)

On January 4, 2021, Shin Kwang-hoon made his second return to Pohang Steelers, where he continues his professional career as of the present day.

3.8. Loan return controversy

The player swap loan deal between Shin Kwang-hoon and Stevo in July 2008 was set for a duration of two and a half years. However, in early 2010, Pohang Steelers faced a significant void at the right-back position after their starting player, Choi Hyo-jin, transferred to FC Seoul. This created an urgent need for Shin Kwang-hoon, who had developed significantly during his time at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

Recalling Shin Kwang-hoon prematurely, while his loan period was still active, was problematic. However, Pohang found a justifiable reason. Stevo had expressed dissatisfaction with then-Pohang coach Farias for being used less frequently than he had been at Jeonbuk. Following a playoff match in 2009, Stevo unilaterally left the team without permission, opting to transfer to FC Bunyodkor in the Uzbekistan Super League rather than participate in the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup with Pohang.

Because Stevo had violated his contract by arbitrarily leaving Pohang, the loan agreement was effectively nullified. Pohang argued that since Stevo had breached the contract first, they had the right to recall Shin Kwang-hoon from Jeonbuk at any time. However, Jeonbuk resisted, citing the remaining loan period until the end of 2010, which led to a conflict between the two clubs. Ultimately, Shin Kwang-hoon finally returned to Pohang in July 2010 after several months of dispute.

4.1. Youth national teams

Shin Kwang-hoon participated in the 2006 AFC Youth Championship. He then went on to represent South Korea at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. During the U-20 World Cup, he notably impressed in the group stage match against Brazil. In the 12th minute of the first half, he dispossessed Marcelo and then executed a skillful Marseille Turn to evade Brazilian defender Lima, drawing considerable attention.

4.2. Olympic and senior national teams

Just two months after the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Shin Kwang-hoon made his debut for the U-23 national team on September 3, 2007, in a friendly match against Qatar. He subsequently participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics football tournament. He also played a role in the South Korean national team securing a bronze medal at the 2010 Asian Games.

Shin Kwang-hoon made his senior national team debut in an A-match on August 15, 2012, in an evaluation match against Zambia, where he played for 45 minutes. Later, on November 14, in another evaluation match against Australia, he left a strong impression by initiating the opening goal with a precise lob pass.

6.1. Club honors

• Pohang Steelers
  • K League (2): 2007, 2013
  • Korean FA Cup (3): 2012, 2013, 2023
• Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
  • K League (1): 2009