Hong Hyun-seok is a 26-year-old South Korean midfielder who plays for Mainz 05. The left-footed midfielder remains part of the South Korea player pool before World Cup 2026. The guide covers his age, nationality, position, current club, salary, net worth, career stats, and international outlook.
Hong Hyun-seok matters to the Taeguk Warriors because he is a mobile midfielder who presses early, combines quickly, and gives the squad left-footed balance. Readers tracking FIFA World Cup 2026 can judge his role through club rhythm, international caps, and tactical fit. His squad case also connects to Group B, where balance and match discipline will decide South Korea's route.
Quick Answer
Hong Hyun-seok is a South Korean professional footballer from Seoul, South Korea. He plays as a midfielder for Mainz 05 and wears number 13. Hong Hyun-seok has 16 senior caps and 0 international goals for the Taeguk Warriors. His profile is built around a mobile midfielder who presses early, combines quickly, and gives the squad left-footed balance.
Early Life and Background
Hong Hyun-seok was born on 16 June 1999 in Seoul, South Korea. His route into senior football came through club development, where physical preparation and tactical discipline are central. That base helped him move from local competition into a larger national-team conversation.
Players in South Korea's pool often need patience because senior squads carry deep competition. Hong Hyun-seok earned his role by turning training standards into first-team trust. His career now shows how domestic consistency can build a World Cup case.
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
Public coverage of Hong Hyun-seok's background focuses mainly on football development. His professional identity comes from club progress, national-team call-ups, and the ability to handle stronger opponents. That route fits a player whose value is measured through role clarity rather than off-field attention.
Ulsan Hyundai, Unterhaching, Juniors OO, LASK, Gent, Mainz 05, Nantes, and a Gent return shaped his European pathway. His early years gave him the technical habits needed for senior football. As a result, his current profile reflects both local grounding and international ambition.
Hong Hyun-seok Personal Info and Profile
| Full name | Hong Hyun-seok |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 16 June 1999 |
| Age | 26 |
| Nationality | South Korea |
| Height | 1.77 m |
| Weight | 69 kg |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Preferred foot | Left |
| Current club | Mainz 05 |
| Jersey number | 13 |
| Weekly salary | Approx EUR18,000 per week |
| Estimated net worth | Approx $2 million to $5 million |
The profile data places Hong Hyun-seok in a clear senior squad role. His height, position, preferred foot, and club level explain why he fits the current national-team pool. Those details matter because World Cup selection rewards role fit as much as reputation.
His current club work gives selectors a weekly view of rhythm and readiness. South Korea need players who can translate league habits into short tournament windows. Hong Hyun-seok's value sits in that bridge between domestic performance and international trust.
Transfer News and Market Value
Hong Hyun-seok's market value is around EUR5 million to EUR8 million in the current public range. That figure reflects age, contract stage, position, club level, and recent national-team involvement. Market value should be read as a football valuation, not a prediction of an immediate transfer.
Transfer attention around Hong Hyun-seok depends on minutes, role stability, and tournament exposure. A strong World Cup preparation run can lift interest because scouts trust players who perform under national pressure. Still, his immediate priority is protecting club form before the final squad decision.
Mainz 05 remains the key reference point for his short-term football path. The club role gives him the match rhythm needed to stay visible. That is especially important when South Korea compare players with similar domestic profiles.
Hong Hyun-seok Salary and Net Worth
Hong Hyun-seok's estimated annual salary is Approx EUR936,000 per year. That equals about Approx EUR18,000 per week before bonuses, image income, and private commercial details. The figure gives a contract-level view rather than a full career wealth calculation.
His estimated net worth is Approx $2 million to $5 million in 2026. That range reflects club contracts, senior-team bonuses, domestic football earnings, and likely personal sponsorship income. Salary and net worth stay separate because one measures current pay while the other reflects career value.
A stable club role can protect both income and football visibility. Tournament selection can also increase commercial value, especially for players in a high-profile World Cup group. Hong Hyun-seok's financial profile should be judged through that wider career lens.
Hong Hyun-seok Club Career
Hong Hyun-seok's recent club record covers Gent, Mainz 05. That run shows a player who has stayed inside competitive senior football while fighting for national-team relevance. Club continuity matters because the World Cup window leaves little time for players to recover form.
His club career also explains his tactical identity. Training across club football, and in some cases abroad, exposes players to different pressing speeds and defensive demands. Those habits can help South Korea build a more flexible tournament squad.
Early clubs and development
Ulsan Hyundai, Unterhaching, Juniors OO, LASK, Gent, Mainz 05, Nantes, and a Gent return shaped his European pathway. His early club environment taught him how to manage pressure from senior teammates and supporters. That experience supports a player moving toward high-stakes international matches.
Development was not only about minutes. It also involved tactical learning, physical growth, and the discipline to keep a role inside demanding squads. Those traits remain central to his World Cup 2026 case.
Current club and recent form
Hong Hyun-seok currently plays for Mainz 05. His recent form should be judged through minutes, role stability, and how well his skill set matches national-team needs. A player can strengthen selection hopes by staying fit, sharp, and tactically reliable.
South Korea's staff will need clear evidence before final squad registration. Hong Hyun-seok can help his case by showing consistency in league matches and training camps. That combination often matters more than one isolated highlight.
Hong Hyun-seok - Stats and Performance
Recent Club Stats
| Season | Club | League Apps | Goals | Total Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2024 | Gent | 70 | 11 | 70 |
| 2024-present | Mainz 05 | 23 | 0 | 23 |
| 2026 | Gent | 14 | 1 | 14 |
Career Totals Snapshot
| Career area | Appearances | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior club sample | 107 | 12 | Recent three-season club record |
| South Korea | 16 | 0 | Senior international record |
The recent club table separates current performance from full career reputation. That matters because World Cup squads are usually decided by fresh rhythm and tactical reliability. Hong Hyun-seok's numbers show how his club role supports his South Korea case.
International Career
Hong Hyun-seok has 16 senior caps and 0 international goals. His national-team role has developed through qualification, friendlies, and squad camps. South Korea need that depth because the 2026 tournament format increases squad management pressure.
The Taeguk Warriors will judge him through form, position fit, and tactical reliability. Players who can understand compact defending and quick transitions have extra value in difficult groups. Hong Hyun-seok's profile gives the staff another option in that planning window.
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
His international record shows how often he has been trusted at senior level. Caps alone do not guarantee selection, yet they show familiarity with national-team demands. That familiarity can matter when preparation time is short.
| National team | Caps | Goals | Tournament involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 16 | 0 | World Cup qualification, AFC competition, senior friendlies |
World Cup Record by Tournament
| Year | Host | Matches | Goals | Assists | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | USA / Canada / Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 | World Cup debut — upcoming |
Honours and Trophies
| Trophy | Times Won | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Games gold medal | 1 | 2022 |
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Hong Hyun-seok's playing style is defined by a mobile midfielder who presses early, combines quickly, and gives the squad left-footed balance. That skill set gives South Korea a specific tool rather than a generic squad number. Tournament football rewards players who understand their role quickly and repeat it under pressure.
His key strengths are role discipline, competitive toughness, and the ability to fit a compact team shape. South Korea often need players who can defend space first, then move forward at the right moment. Hong Hyun-seok fits that demand when his club form keeps him sharp.
Position, role, and standout qualities
Hong Hyun-seok plays as a midfielder, but the exact role depends on the match plan. He can help the team by keeping distances tight and making simple decisions under pressure. His standout qualities connect directly to South Korea's need for structure in 2026.
The next test is consistency. A World Cup squad spot depends on fitness, match rhythm, and the final coach's tactical preference. Hong Hyun-seok has enough profile value to stay in that conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Hong Hyun-seok and what is his nationality?
Hong Hyun-seok is 26 years old and South Korean. He was born in Seoul, South Korea on 16 June 1999.
Which club does Hong Hyun-seok play for now?
Hong Hyun-seok plays for Mainz 05. His listed position is Midfielder.
What is Hong Hyun-seok's playing style?
Hong Hyun-seok is a mobile midfielder who presses early, combines quickly, and gives the squad left-footed balance. That profile helps the Taeguk Warriors manage different match states.
Is Hong Hyun-seok part of the South Korea national team?
Yes, Hong Hyun-seok is in the wider South Korea senior picture with 16 caps. Final World Cup selection depends on the official tournament squad.
What is Hong Hyun-seok's salary or net worth?
His estimated salary is Approx EUR18,000 per week, or about Approx EUR936,000 per year. His estimated net worth is Approx $2 million to $5 million.
Conclusion
Hong Hyun-seok gives South Korea a clear midfielder option before World Cup 2026. His club role, senior caps, and tactical fit keep him relevant in a competitive squad. The final decision will depend on fitness, form, and how the coach balances experience with freshness.
South Korea need reliable players who can handle Group B pressure. Hong Hyun-seok can help if his club rhythm stays strong. His profile is strongest when role clarity, fitness, and match discipline all arrive together.