Right-back Kim Moon-hwan, a key player for Hong Myung-bo’s national team, has thankfully regained his sight after a worrying eye injury during a K League match.
Daejeon Hana Citizen suffered a 0-2 defeat against Gangwon FC on May 12 at the Gangneung HiOne Arena in the 14th round of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026. The loss marked their second consecutive defeat, dropping them to 8th place with 16 points. The team has been struggling, failing to score a single goal in their last three games.
Compounding their woes, Kim Moon-hwan, who started as the right-back in a four-man defense, was unexpectedly substituted. While attempting a kick, the ball deflected off a Gangwon player and struck Kim squarely in the face, causing a significant impact to his eye area. He informed the bench of his condition and was replaced by Bobsin in the 30th minute of the second half.
After the match, head coach Hwang Sun-hong expressed concern, stating, “He took a hit to the head. He said he couldn’t see, which is worrying. He’ll need to get it checked out.”
Fortunately, Kim Moon-hwan is reported to have quickly recovered his vision. A Daejeon official confirmed, “He said his condition was fine after the game, so he didn’t go to the hospital. He plans to visit an eye doctor today for a thorough check-up.”
This is a huge relief for Hong Myung-bo, as Kim Moon-hwan is a strong candidate for the final squad for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. As a standout right-back in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, he has remained a consistent presence on the national team, anchoring the right flank. While his form has dipped slightly this season amid the team’s struggles, he is still undeniably South Korea’s best right-back. Fortunately, he avoided a potentially serious injury.
The news is also a positive development for Daejeon, who are preparing for their final match before the break against FC Seoul. Desperate for a turnaround, the team needs Kim Moon-hwan’s presence and impact on the field.
