Can Lee Ho-jae Become Korea’s Fourth Father-Son National Team Duo? The Story Behind His First Call-Up

Lee Ho-jae’s Historic National Team Call-Up

Did you know? Lee Ho-jae, the rising striker from Pohang Steelers, has just received his first-ever call-up to the Korean national football team for the 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship! This isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a moment of pride for his family and the entire Pohang squad. Lee’s selection is extra meaningful as he could become the fourth player in Korean history to represent the national team after his father, joining the exclusive ‘father-son national team’ club. Lee’s father, Lee Ki-hyung, was a celebrated player and now a respected coach, making this achievement even more special.

The Road to the National Team: Lee Ho-jae’s Journey

Lee Ho-jae’s path hasn’t been easy. Since joining Pohang in 2021, he’s steadily developed his skills, debuting with 2 goals in 15 matches. Last season, he hit a career high with 9 goals and 5 assists in just 27 games before an ankle injury cut his season short. Despite setbacks, Lee has shown resilience, returning this year to score 8 goals and 1 assist in 19 matches—ranking fifth in the K League scoring charts. His consistent performances finally caught the eye of national team coach Hong Myung-bo, earning him this long-awaited call-up.

Breaking a Family Record: The Fourth Father-Son Duo

Why is this call-up making headlines? Lee Ho-jae could become the fourth father-son pair to play for the Korean national team, following the legendary duos of Kim Chan-gi & Kim Seok-won, Cha Bum-kun & Cha Du-ri, and Lee Eul-yong & Lee Tae-seok. For Korean football fans, these family stories symbolize tradition, pride, and the passing of the torch. Lee’s journey is even more remarkable because he never played for Korea’s youth national teams, making his debut at the senior level a true underdog story.

Pohang Steelers’ Golden Generation: Three Players Called Up

Pohang Steelers are celebrating a golden moment, with three players—Lee Ho-jae, Park Seung-wook, and Lee Tae-seok—called up for the national team. Park recently returned from military service and made an immediate impact, while Lee Tae-seok has solidified his role as a left-back. This triple selection not only boosts team morale but also highlights Pohang’s reputation as a talent factory in Korean football. Fans are buzzing about the club’s strong showing, hoping this momentum carries into their next K League match against FC Seoul.

Community Reactions: Fans and Media Respond

The Korean football community is abuzz with Lee Ho-jae’s news. On Naver and Daum, the response is overwhelmingly positive—fans praise his perseverance and see his story as proof that hard work pays off. Some comments highlight the emotional aspect, noting how rare and special it is for a father and son to both wear the national colors. On DCInside and PGR21, a few skeptics question whether Lee’s call-up is premature, but the majority cheer for his fresh energy and potential. The sentiment is roughly 80% positive, 20% cautious optimism.

Cultural Insights: Why Father-Son National Team Stories Matter

For international fans, understanding the significance of father-son duos in Korean football adds a cultural layer to Lee Ho-jae’s story. In Korea, family legacy and respect for tradition are deeply valued, especially in sports. When a player follows in a parent’s footsteps, it’s seen as both a personal achievement and a tribute to family honor. Lee Ho-jae’s call-up resonates beyond the pitch, inspiring young athletes and reminding fans of football’s generational magic.

What’s Next for Lee Ho-jae and Korean Football?

All eyes are on Lee Ho-jae as he prepares for the EAFF E-1 Football Championship. Can he live up to the legacy and prove himself on the international stage? If he performs well, he’ll not only cement his place in the national team but also write a new chapter in Korean football history. For Pohang Steelers, this is a proud moment that could signal a new era of talent and ambition. Stay tuned—Lee Ho-jae’s story is just beginning!