Kim Jin-su is a 33-year-old South Korean left-back who plays for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. The left-footed defender 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.
Kim Jin-su matters to the Taeguk Warriors because he is an experienced left-back who crosses early, defends aggressively, and supports attacks from deep. 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
Kim Jin-su is a South Korean professional footballer from Jeonju, South Korea. He plays as a left-back for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and wears number 3. Kim Jin-su has 73 senior caps and 2 international goals for the Taeguk Warriors. His profile is built around an experienced left-back who crosses early, defends aggressively, and supports attacks from deep.
Early Life and Background
Kim Jin-su was born on 13 June 1992 in Jeonju, 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. Kim Jin-su 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 Kim Jin-su'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.
Albirex Niigata, Hoffenheim, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Al-Nassr, and Gimcheon Sangmu shaped his senior career. 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.
Kim Jin-su Personal Info and Profile
| Full name | Kim Jin-su |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 13 June 1992 |
| Age | 33 |
| Nationality | South Korea |
| Height | 1.77 m |
| Weight | 68 kg |
| Position | Left-back |
| Preferred foot | Left |
| Current club | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors |
| Jersey number | 3 |
| Weekly salary | Approx EUR11,000 per week |
| Estimated net worth | Approx $3 million to $6 million |
The profile data places Kim Jin-su 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. Kim Jin-su's value sits in that bridge between domestic performance and international trust.
Transfer News and Market Value
Kim Jin-su's market value is around EUR500,000 to EUR900,000 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 Kim Jin-su 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.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 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.
Kim Jin-su Salary and Net Worth
Kim Jin-su's estimated annual salary is Approx EUR572,000 per year. That equals about Approx EUR11,000 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 $3 million to $6 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. Kim Jin-su's financial profile should be judged through that wider career lens.
Kim Jin-su Club Career
Kim Jin-su's recent club record covers Albirex Niigata, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Al-Nassr. 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
Albirex Niigata, Hoffenheim, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Al-Nassr, and Gimcheon Sangmu shaped his senior career. 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
Kim Jin-su currently plays for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. 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. Kim Jin-su can help his case by showing consistency in league matches and training camps. That combination often matters more than one isolated highlight.
Kim Jin-su - Stats and Performance
Recent Club Stats
| Season | Club | League Apps | Goals | Total Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-2014 | Albirex Niigata | 66 | 1 | 66 |
| 2017-present | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 171 | 10 | 171 |
| 2020-2021 | Al-Nassr | 19 | 0 | 19 |
Career Totals Snapshot
| Career area | Appearances | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior club sample | 256 | 11 | Recent three-season club record |
| South Korea | 73 | 2 | 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. Kim Jin-su's numbers show how his club role supports his South Korea case.
International Career
Kim Jin-su has 73 senior caps and 2 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. Kim Jin-su'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 | 73 | 2 | World Cup qualification, AFC competition, senior friendlies |
World Cup Record by Tournament
| Year | Host | Matches | Goals | Assists | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Qatar | 4 | 0 | 0 | Round of 16 |
| 2026 | USA / Canada / Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 | Qualified |
| Total | - | 4 | 0 | 0 | - |
Honours and Trophies
| Trophy | Times Won | Years |
|---|---|---|
| K League 1 | 4 | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 |
| Korean FA Cup | 2 | 2020, 2022 |
| AFC Champions League | 1 | 2016 |
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Kim Jin-su's playing style is defined by an experienced left-back who crosses early, defends aggressively, and supports attacks from deep. 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. Kim Jin-su fits that demand when his club form keeps him sharp.
Position, role, and standout qualities
Kim Jin-su plays as a left-back, 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. Kim Jin-su has enough profile value to stay in that conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kim Jin-su and what is his nationality?
Kim Jin-su is 33 years old and South Korean. He was born in Jeonju, South Korea on 13 June 1992.
Which club does Kim Jin-su play for now?
Kim Jin-su plays for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. His listed position is Left-back.
What is Kim Jin-su's playing style?
Kim Jin-su is an experienced left-back who crosses early, defends aggressively, and supports attacks from deep. That profile helps the Taeguk Warriors manage different match states.
Is Kim Jin-su part of the South Korea national team?
Yes, Kim Jin-su is in the wider South Korea senior picture with 73 caps. Final World Cup selection depends on the official tournament squad.
What is Kim Jin-su's salary or net worth?
His estimated salary is Approx EUR11,000 per week, or about Approx EUR572,000 per year. His estimated net worth is Approx $3 million to $6 million.
Conclusion
Kim Jin-su gives South Korea a clear defender 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. Kim Jin-su can help if his club rhythm stays strong. His profile is strongest when role clarity, fitness, and match discipline all arrive together.