"It's a dream I achieved without giving up, so it means a lot."

Joo Min-kyu (Ulsan) set the record for the oldest A-match debut ever, stepping on the ground at the age of 33 years and 343 days in the second qualifying round for the 2026 North-Central America World Cup against Thailand on the 21st.

However, Joo Min-gyu was not the only one who made his debut as a late bloomer. Ulsan side defender Lee Myung-jae was also deployed as a substitute on the day, and played his first A team match at the age of 30 years and 138 days. Lee's record is seventh in the history.

"It's a shame that I couldn't cover up a lot because of Min-gyu, but it's an honor to be able to play with such good players," Lee Myung-jae told the Dong-A Ilbo ahead of a training session for the national team on Monday. "The fact that I joined the national team beyond my 30th age means a lot to me because I have worked hard without giving up." Lee is a veteran player who played 175 games (one goal and 25 assists) in the K-League.

Lee Myung-jae replaced Kim Jin-soo at the match against Thailand on Sunday and played as a left-back. Fullback is a position where Korean soccer has a lot of concerns. "I have a good opportunity," Lee said. "I need to do my part this time to help the team as much as I can because I think I have a chance next time."

Currently, the team has many Ulsan teammates such as Kim Young-kwon, Cho Hyun-woo, Seol Young-woo, and Joo Min-kyu. "I had no difficulty adjusting to the team. I'm trying to get closer to European players as well," he said.

Lee Myung-jae, who has played for Ulsan since 2014, has played against Thai clubs a lot in the AFC Champions League. "Thai fans cheer passionately from the start to the end of the game. Still, all the players of the national team have played in front of large audiences, so there will be no big problem," he said.   토토사이트