Korean Soccer Star's Heartwarming Journey from Humble Beginnings to World Cup Hero

Four years ago, Korean soccer star Oh Hyeon Gyu stood with Korea's national team at the World Cup, but without a jersey number of his own. That painful memory has now turned into one of the most emotional storylines of Korea's 2026 World Cup.

On June 12, 2026 (KST), tvN's You Quiz On The Block congratulated Oh Hyeon Gyu after his standout performance in Korea's match against the Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The program wrote on its official social media, 'Four years ago, Oh Hyeon Gyu promised he would play at the 2026 World Cup wearing a number, and he did it! The hero of the comeback goal against the Czech Republic! Congratulations to our very own Oh-seobang Oh Hyeon Gyu on his first World Cup goal!'

Oh Hyeon Gyu had previously accompanied the Korean national team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a training partner, not as an official member of the final roster. His diary from that time was later revealed on You Quiz On The Block, where it deeply moved viewers.

In the diary, Oh Hyeon Gyu wrote, 'Today, all the players wore uniforms and took a group photo. But my uniform did not have a number on it. To be honest, I was embarrassed and upset.'

However, he also turned that disappointment into motivation.

'I just have to get through today. I can prepare for the next four years and come back proudly wearing a number. Let's do this, Hyeon Gyu. This is only the beginning.'

Four years later, Oh Hyeon Gyu did exactly that! In Korea's first Group A match against the Czech Republic, held at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico, Oh Hyeon Gyu scored the comeback-winning goal and helped lead Korea to a 2-1 victory.

In the 35th minute of the second half, Oh Hyeon Gyu calmly connected with a cross from Hwang In Beom on the right side and sent the ball into the Czech net. The goal marked both his World Cup debut goal and a full-circle moment from the promise he made to himself four years earlier.

Korean netizens were especially emotional after seeing his old diary resurface. Some praised his mindset and work ethic. Others cheered him on. Most were proud of the soccer star finally getting his hero moment.

From a player without a number in 2022 to the scorer of Korea's comeback-winning goal in 2026, Oh Hyeon Gyu's journey has become the kind of sports story fans cannot help but root for!

Watch his interview here.