Squad details correct up to and including Republic of Korea's match against Scotland on 16 May 2002.

Diary

Tuesday, 30 April 2002 - Former Werder Bremen striker Lee Dong-Gook and Eintracht Frankfurt defender Sim Jae-Won were the most notable omissions as the Korean national team announced their 23-man squad for the World Cup Finals today.  There were few surprises in the list of players released by the Korea Football Association which, barring injuries, will be the team that Guus Hiddink leads into the tournament that begins in Seoul on May 31.  Making the cut is veteran defender Hong Myung-Bo, who will set a new record for an Asian player when he appears at his fourth consecutive World Cup Finals this summer. Hiddink has also called up youngsters Song Chong-Gug and Cha Do-Ri for their first taste of World Cup action.  Promising young goalkeeper Kim Yong-Dae has also been omitted in favour of the more experienced Choi Eun-Sung of Taejon Citizen. The 31-year-old Choi may only have one previous international cap to his name, but it is clear that Hiddink is not willing to take chances with his side going into the World Cup Finals.

Monday, 13 May 2002 - Sim Jae-Won has now been called up for the Korean training camp in Seogwipo on Jeju Island amidst concern that veteran right back Lee Min-Sung may not recover from injury in time for the World Cup. The 24-year-old Sim has not played for the national team since their international friendly against Uruguay in February. However, Hiddink has revealed that Sim has been told to report to the training camp and will be joining the team in Seogwipo as soon as possible. For now, Sim remains on standby but with Hiddink fearing that Lee will not overcome his injury in time for the tournament, he stands a good chance of making it into the final 23.

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CG