Gimcheon Sangmu's Lee Geonhee: "Football Is Happiness"

by Kim Ihwan

Published 09 Apr.2026 09:47(KST)

Updated 09 Apr.2026 20:47(KST)

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100 K League Matches Achieved
Aiming for 20 Attacking Points in a Season

Lee Gunhee, a 10th class member of Gimcheon Sangmu Professional Football Club (CEO Lee Jaeha, Commander of the Armed Forces Athletic Corps Jin Gyusang), reached his 100th K-League appearance on March 17 by playing in Round 4 of the 'Hana Bank K-League 1 2026'. Lee Gunhee shared his thoughts, saying, "Reaching 100 matches is a new and special feeling. I won't stop here and will strive to play 200, even 300 games."

He immediately named his family as the first people who came to mind. "I'm always grateful to my family. They were the first to support me," he said. "The reason I have been able to keep playing football without wavering until now is because of my family's support."

Lee Gunhee also started playing football because of his family. He recalled with a laugh, "My older brother started playing football early. I didn't like inheriting his clothes, so I told my father, and he said, 'Then you should play football too.' That's how I naturally started playing football."

On March 17, Lee Gunhee of Gimcheon Sangmu reached 100 K-League appearances in the home match against Gwangju FC.<br/>Photo by Gimcheon Sangmu Professional Football Club

On March 17, Lee Gunhee of Gimcheon Sangmu reached 100 K-League appearances in the home match against Gwangju FC.
Photo by Gimcheon Sangmu Professional Football Club

His role model, who inspired him to dream of becoming a football player, was also his brother. "My role model is my older brother, Lee Donghee. Watching him play football since I was young taught me a lot, and I always wanted to play like him. The person I could watch and learn from the closest was my brother," he said.

Having grown up watching his brother from a young age and nurturing his football dreams, Lee Gunhee has now reached the significant milestone of 100 matches as a professional. However, he remained unsatisfied. "I'm grateful for reaching 100 games, but this is only the beginning," he said. "I want to become a player who keeps growing by playing many more matches in the future."

Lee Gunhee described "now" as the happiest moment of his playing career. "I think the happiest moment is right now. I'm truly happy to play enjoyable football with my teammates and fellow soldiers at Gimcheon Sangmu," he said.

His goals as a player are also clear. "My dream as a player is, of course, to become a national team member. I also want to achieve more than 20 attacking points in a single K-League 1 season," he emphasized. "To reach that goal, I always give 100% in training." He summed up the meaning of football to him in one word: "Football means happiness to me. I'm always thankful and happy to be able to play as a professional."

Finally, Lee Gunhee expressed his gratitude: "The reason I was able to reach 100 matches was because of the support from my family and all the fans. I will do my best to continue showing my best on the field."

Meanwhile, Gimcheon Sangmu will play a home match against FC Anyang in Round 7 of the K-League 1 on Sunday, April 12, and will hold a ceremony before the match to commemorate Lee Gunhee's 100th career K-League appearance.