Kim Jin-su

Kyung Hee University (2011) - Played collegiate football for one year before moving to Japan to begin his professional career.

Singal High School (2008-2010) - Developed his defensive fundamentals in the South Korean high school football system.

Kim Jin-su began his professional career abroad, signing with Albirex Niigata in Japan's J1 League in 2012. He quickly established himself as a starting left-back, showcasing his defensive solidity and pinpoint crossing. His impressive performances in Japan attracted European interest, leading to a transfer to German Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim in 2014. Despite a strong start in Germany, playing time became scarce in his latter seasons, prompting a return to his home country.

In 2017, Kim signed with K League 1 powerhouse Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. This move initiated the most successful period of his career. He became a defensive cornerstone for Jeonbuk, helping the club secure an astonishing five consecutive K League 1 championships from 2017 to 2021. He briefly moved to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in 2020 but returned to Jeonbuk on loan, eventually making the move permanent again.

Seeking a new challenge in the twilight of his career, Kim transferred to FC Seoul ahead of the 2025 season. He brought immense veteran leadership to the squad, solidifying their backline and contributing dangerous set-piece deliveries. In April 2026, he played a crucial role as FC Seoul dramatically defeated Jeonbuk, breaking a nearly nine-year home winless streak against his former club.

Internationally, Kim debuted for the South Korea senior team in 2013 and helped the U-23 squad win a Gold Medal at the 2014 Asian Games. His international career was marred by devastating timing, missing both the 2014 and 2018 World Cups due to injury shortly before the tournaments. However, he achieved his lifelong dream by starting in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, notably providing a crucial assist in a group stage match against Ghana.

Although he is stepping back from regular international duties as he reaches his mid-thirties, Kim Jin-su's legacy as one of South Korea's most reliable and resilient full-backs is firmly cemented. He continues to perform at an elite level domestically in the 2026 K League 1 season.

Kim Jin-su was born in Jeonju, South Korea. He is known for his incredibly resilient mentality, having fought back from severe, career-threatening injuries on multiple occasions—most notably the heartbreak of missing two consecutive World Cups. This perseverance has made him a highly respected figure among his peers and a role model for young defenders in South Korea.

Off the pitch, Kim is a devoted family man. He married his wife, former television announcer Kim Jeong-ah, in 2017, and the couple has a daughter together. He frequently credits his wife's unwavering support for helping him overcome the deep depression he faced during his severe injury rehabilitations.

As of 2026, Kim enjoys his status as an esteemed veteran in the K League. He remains highly active in philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting youth football development in his home province of Jeonbuk. Despite playing for a rival club in FC Seoul, he is still revered by fans across the country for his immense contributions to domestic and international football.