Now, he is undoubtedly a national team defender. Lee Tae-seok (23, Pohang Steelers) expressed his dreams about the World Cup.

Pohang Steelers won 1-0 against Ulsan HD in the East Coast Derby of the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 Round 6, held at the Pohang Steel Yard on the 29th.

With this, Pohang has won consecutive matches following their victory against Gwangju, jumping from 10th to 6th place with 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses). Pohang, which had fallen to the bottom after not winning in the first 4 matches, was able to defeat Ulsan after previously beating Gwangju 3-2.

On the other hand, Ulsan suffered a defeat for the first time in five matches. Their ranking remained at 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses), falling to 4th place. Ulsan was determined to narrow the gap with the league leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors by defeating Pohang, but they managed only one shot on target in 90 minutes, leading to their downfall.

Lee Tae-seok was also brought in at the start of the second half to contribute to the team's victory. Playing as a winger instead of a fullback, he tirelessly moved around the field, energizing Pohang's attack. The only goal, scored by Lee Ho-jae in the 34th minute, was initiated by Lee Tae-seok's powerful shot. Ulsan goalkeeper Jo Hyun-woo deflected Lee Tae-seok's shot, and Lee Ho-jae calmly pushed in the rebounded ball.

After the match, Lee Tae-seok, who met reporters in the mixed zone, said, "Today’s East Coast Derby was a really important game. I am very pleased to gain 3 points in a big match and to win."

Regarding the scoring situation, he reflected, "I didn’t actually think that I would be brought on as a winger. Having returned from the national team, I had not fully integrated into the team’s tactics. Anyway, I thought I had to show something offensively when I came in. And those situations came to me. I aimed to hit my shot on target and it turned out well, leading to the goal."

While Lee Tae-seok was joining the national team under Hong Myung-bo, Pohang reported their long-awaited first win. He said, "Before the game, I pleaded with the players to please win. I think my support from afar helped them win again." He added, "There have been difficult times. In that period, I could see the players’ determination to win. That’s why I believe we could achieve our first victory."

Recently, Lee Tae-seok made a donation of 5 million won for the restoration of damage caused by forest fires in Gyeongbuk, becoming the first among the Pohang players. Following that, team captain Jeon Min-kwang donated 10 million won. He stated, "I hope that such feelings can be conveyed, even if only a little. I also hope that not just me, but other players will contribute more to restore things as quickly as possible."

Lee Tae-seok was called up to the national team for the second time during the A-match in March. He started in both the matches against Oman and Jordan, taking charge of the left defense. Specifically, he received praise for successfully defending against Musa Al-Tamari (Stade Rennais), known as the 'Jordanian Messi.'

Lee Tae-seok remarked, "I felt less nervous than during the first call-up. In a way, I thought this was a really big opportunity for me. I prepared hard and went in, showing what I could do, and I believe I demonstrated the qualities I needed to show. I think it was a rather satisfying and joyful call-up."

Currently, there is no established starter for the left fullback position in the national team. If Lee Tae-seok continues to perform well, he could aim for a spot in the World Cup. He expressed, "The World Cup stage is undoubtedly a significant motivation for players. I believe that through this match, I showed everyone that I am a competitive player."

In conclusion, Lee Tae-seok stated, "Now, I think what’s important is the future. I must maintain consistent performances moving forward," and added that he would not be satisfied here.

[Photo] Provided by the Korea Professional Football League.

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