South Korean defender Lee Ki-hyuk made headlines as one of the biggest surprise picks for the FIFA World Cup squad. Here’s a full breakdown of his net worth, salary, career earnings, and everything else you need to know.
Lee Ki-hyuk’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lee Ki-hyuk (이기혁) |
| Date of Birth | July 7, 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Position | Centre-Back / Left-Back |
| Current Club | Gangwon FC |
| Shirt Number | 13 |
| Contract Expires | December 31, 2027 |
| Turned Professional | 2021 (Suwon FC) |
| Net Worth | ~$500,000 (estimated) |
| Player Agent | Proeleven S.A. |
Early Life and Career
Lee Ki-hyuk was born on July 7, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea. He grew up in the city before being recruited into the prestigious Ulsan Hyundai youth academy system, one of the most respected developmental pathways in Korean football.
He spent his formative years progressing through the Ulsan Hyundai ranks. According to his Transfermarkt profile, he attended Seoul Wooi Elementary School before joining the Ulsan Hyundai U-15 academy in 2013.
He continued with the Ulsan Hyundai U-18 team from 2016 to 2018 and then enrolled at the University of Ulsan from 2019 to 2020, where he continued developing his game at the collegiate level.
Throughout his youth career, Lee established himself as a left-footed centre-back — a profile that is genuinely rare in Korean football and one that would prove crucial to his eventual rise.
His composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and ability to play multiple defensive positions set him apart from peers.
After completing his university stint with Ulsan, he made the transition to senior professional football in 2021, signing with Suwon FC in K League 1.
Professional Career
Lee Ki-hyuk joined Suwon FC in January 2021 and immediately showed his quality at the top level of Korean club football.
He made 15 appearances in his debut season and 20 in 2022, totaling 37 competitive appearances for the club. His steady and reliable performances caught the eye of other K League clubs.
In January 2023, he signed with Jeju United as a free agent and made 23 appearances across all competitions, including scoring one cup goal.
His versatility — capable of playing as a centre-back, left-back, and even a defensive midfielder — continued to grow his profile within the league.
Transfermarkt records show that Gangwon FC signed Lee in January 2024, where he became a cornerstone of the backline.
He played all 35 K League 1 matches in 2024 as Gangwon FC finished as runners-up, one of the finest seasons in the club’s history. In 2025, he added AFC Champions League Elite appearances to his resume.
His biggest moment came in May 2026 when South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo named him in the final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America — a surprise selection that drew widespread attention in Korean football circles.
Coach Hong praised Lee’s multi-positional ability, describing him as “the core of Gangwon.” Lee also started both pre-tournament evaluation matches against Trinidad & Tobago and El Salvador ahead of the tournament.
On the international stage, Lee made his senior debut for South Korea at the 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship and has since remained in the national team’s plans.
Lee Ki-hyuk’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Lee Ki-hyuk’s has an estimated net worth of approximately $500,000.
He built this wealth primarily through his professional football contracts in K League 1, which is the top tier of South Korean club football.
Contract
According to Transfermarkt, Lee Ki-hyuk joined Gangwon FC on January 20, 2024, and his current contract runs until December 31, 2027.
This gives him security through four seasons with the club. He wears the number 13 shirt and is represented by international player agency Proeleven S.A.
The 2026 World Cup inclusion is likely to trigger renewed interest from clubs in Japan, Europe, and the Middle East, and a transfer or contract upgrade could significantly change his financial standing before his current deal expires.
Salary
Exact salary figures for Lee Ki-hyuk have not been publicly disclosed.
However, K League 1 salary data from FootyStats shows Gangwon FC had one of the lower payrolls in the division in 2024, with an average monthly salary of approximately KRW 8.3 million (around $6,300 USD) per player across the squad.
Top earners at bigger clubs like Ulsan HD command over €800,000 per year, while players at Gangwon FC typically earn in the range of $100,000–$200,000 annually.
Given his status as a key first-team regular and now a World Cup-selected player, Lee’s salary is estimated at approximately $150,000–$180,000 per year.
This is a reasonable estimate for a player of his seniority and standing within a K League mid-tier club.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Suwon FC | ~$60,000 |
| 2022 | Suwon FC | ~$70,000 |
| 2023 | Jeju United | ~$90,000 |
| 2024 | Gangwon FC | ~$140,000 |
| 2025 | Gangwon FC | ~$160,000 |
| 2026 | Gangwon FC | ~$180,000 (estimated) |
Career Statistics
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Suwon FC | K League 1 | 15 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | Suwon FC | K League 1 | 20 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | Jeju United | K League 1 | 19 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | Jeju United | Korea Cup | 4 | 1 | — |
| 2024 | Gangwon FC | K League 1 | 35 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | Gangwon FC | K League 1 | 31 | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | Gangwon FC | AFC CL Elite | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | Gangwon FC | K League 1 | 14 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | Gangwon FC | AFC CL Elite | 4 | 0 | — |
| Career Total | 149 | 1 | — |
FAQs
What is Lee Ki-hyuk’s net worth?
Lee Ki-hyuk’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000. He earned this through his professional contracts in K League 1 with Suwon FC, Jeju United, and Gangwon FC since turning professional in 2021.
What club does Lee Ki-hyuk play?
He plays for Gangwon FC in South Korea’s K League 1. His current contract with the club runs until December 31, 2027, and he wears the number 13 shirt.
Did Lee Ki-hyuk make the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad?
Yes. Lee Ki-hyuk was named in South Korea’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Coach Hong Myung-bo selected him for his versatility and build-up ability.
What position does Lee Ki-hyuk play?
He primarily plays as a centre-back but can also operate as a left-back and defensive midfielder. His positional flexibility was a key reason coach Hong Myung-bo selected him for the 2026 World Cup.
How tall is Lee Ki-hyuk?
Lee Ki-hyuk stands 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) tall and is left-footed — a rare and highly valued combination for a centre-back in Korean and Asian football.
