K. Joon Hong, D.C. United Goalkeeper #1: Career, Stats & More

The energy on the pitch shifts the second K. Joon Hong steps onto it. His calm focus and sharp instincts finally give D.C. United what it’s been missing—a steady presence between the posts.

K. Joon Hong is D.C. United’s new number one goalkeeper, signed through 2027 to anchor the defense and help shape the club’s next era in Major League Soccer.

It’s not hard to see why the club moved quickly to bring him in from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC. He’s just 21, but he already brings international experience from South Korea’s youth teams and the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

His K League record—15 clean sheets in 34 matches—shows consistency and composure under pressure.

But there’s more than just raw talent here. Joon Hong’s footwork, positioning, and confidence in distribution match the modern style D.C. United coach Troy Lesesne wants.

After developing through Jeonbuk’s academy and attending Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors High School, he’s arrived in Washington ready to prove himself on the MLS stage.

Profile of K. Joon Hong

You really learn about a player by watching how he handles pressure. Kim Joon Hong keeps calm, reacts fast, and commands his box with confidence.

Those qualities define a goalkeeper ready for both domestic and international competition. His journey from Jeonju to MLS shows steady growth and a lot of technical discipline.

Background and Early Life

Born June 3, 2003, in Jeonju, Jeollabuk, South Korea, Kim Joon Hong got into football early. He first joined the Incheon United Youth system, then moved to the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC academy in 2016.

His time there built his foundation as a disciplined and reliable goalkeeper.

You can see how early training in K League academies helped him mature fast. He signed his first pro contract with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC in 2021 and debuted later that year.

While on loan at Gimcheon Sangmu FC, he picked up real first-team experience and finished his required military service. His strong performances in K League 1 caught the eye of D.C. United.

They signed him to a three-year deal through 2027, with an option for 2028, as D.C. United officially announced.

Playing Style and Strengths

Joon Hong plays with real composure and sharp instincts. He reads the game well, stays balanced, and adjusts his positioning as needed.

His 6’2” frame gives him reach on high balls, and his footwork lets him react to close-range shots.

He likes to build from the back, using short passes to start attacks. That fits D.C. United’s system under coach Troy Lesesne, who wants goalkeepers comfortable with the ball at their feet.

Coaches call him calm, vocal, and technically sound. He organizes the defense and communicates clearly, which gives his teammates confidence.

Those traits, plus his clean handling and sense of timing, make him a reliable last line of defense.

Attribute	Description
Height	6’2” (188 cm)
Weight	150 lbs (68 kg)
Preferred Foot	Right
Strengths	Reflexes, positioning, distribution, command of area

Achievements and Honors

By 21, Joon Hong already has a record of success. He helped Gimcheon Sangmu FC win the K League 2 title in 2023, keeping multiple clean sheets that season.

In 2024, he played 33 matches across Gimcheon Sangmu and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, with 15 clean sheets and 63 saves, according to Mad About College Sports.

Internationally, he’s represented South Korea at the U-16, U-17, U-19, and U-20 levels, including the 2023 U-20 World Cup where South Korea finished fourth.

He got his first senior national team call-up in August 2023 for friendlies against Wales and Saudi Arabia.

His move to D.C. United made him only the seventh South Korean player in Major League Soccer. For a young keeper from Jeonju, that’s a pretty big deal.

D.C. United Signing and Role

Now, you’ve got a young goalkeeper stepping into one of MLS’s most historic clubs. The details of his transfer, his position, and the early expectations all point to how D.C. United wants to strengthen its defense and build for the future at Audi Field.

Transfer Details

D.C. United signed Kim Joon Hong from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC in January 2025, locking in a three-year deal through 2027 with an option for 2028.

The move became official once his P-1 visa and international transfer certificate went through. The club announced it as part of their push to rebuild their goalkeeping corps.

The 21-year-old joined after a standout 2024 K League 1 season, playing 33 matches for Jeonbuk and Gimcheon Sangmu. He notched 15 clean sheets and 63 saves—numbers that made him one of Asia’s most consistent young keepers.

You can catch more details in D.C. United’s announcement. His arrival is a calculated move by the club to add depth and competition at a crucial spot ahead of a tough MLS schedule.

Season	Club	Matches	Clean Sheets	Saves	Wins
2024	Gimcheon Sangmu / Jeonbuk	33	15	63	18

Jersey Number and Position

Kim wears the number 1 jersey for D.C. United—the classic number for a starting goalkeeper. That alone shows the club trusts him to anchor the back line.

He stands 6’2” and weighs 150 lbs, bringing both agility and sharp reflexes to the job.

At Audi Field, you’ll see him command the penalty area with calm decisions and quick distribution. His footwork fits perfectly with Troy Lesesne’s system, which expects goalkeepers to handle pressure.

Fans grabbing match tickets this season will probably notice how Kim’s positioning and communication help steady a defense that’s struggled in recent years.

His presence lets the team rotate and stay flexible throughout the MLS schedule.

Expectations at D.C. United

Kim’s expected to compete for the starting spot from day one. The coaching staff sees him as both a short-term asset and a long-term project.

His experience with South Korea’s youth teams, including the 2023 U-20 World Cup, shows he’s ready for high-level competition.

D.C. United’s management believes his calm under pressure will serve him well in MLS. General Manager Ally Mackay has praised his shot-stopping and distribution, calling him a strong match for the team’s evolving defensive style.

Fans at Audi Field will be watching to see how quickly he adapts to MLS’s pace and physicality. If he keeps up his form from Korea, he might just become one of the league’s most reliable young keepers and a key piece in D.C. United’s playoff push.

Career Timeline and Clubs

Joon Hong has built his career through steady progress and consistent results. His path shows how strong development systems and real match experience can shape a player for Major League Soccer.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC

At Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, Kim Joon Hong laid the foundation for his professional career. He signed his first senior contract in June 2021 and soon earned minutes in K League 1.

He made his debut in August 2021 against Suwon FC, then picked up his first clean sheet that October versus Suwon Samsung Bluewings.

Over three seasons, he played 20 matches and recorded eight clean sheets. His time with Jeonbuk helped him adapt to top-flight competition and sharpen his distribution and reflexes.

The club’s focus on tactical discipline and goalkeeper positioning built his technical base and eventually drew D.C. United’s attention.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC Record

Season	Matches	Wins	Clean Sheets	Saves
2021–2023	20	11	8	45

That steady workload built up his confidence for international play and his eventual move abroad.

Gimcheon Sangmu FC Loan

Kim’s loan to Gimcheon Sangmu FC in 2023 gave him valuable match time while he completed his military service. He handled the transition well and helped the team win promotion from K League 2 to K League 1.

During his loan, he played 26 matches in 2023 and 17 more in 2024. He kept 14 clean sheets in the first year and nine more the next, showing consistent form across both divisions.

His 2024 season stood out when he returned midyear to Jeonbuk after his loan. He kept 15 clean sheets in 33 starts that year, proving his reliability and focus.

D.C. United valued that consistency when they signed him in January 2025, as MLSsoccer.com reported.

Youth Academy Journey

Kim’s roots go back to the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC academy, which he joined in 2016 after time with Incheon United’s youth setup.

The academy emphasized technical growth, footwork, and anticipation—skills that still show in his game.

He moved up through every level of Jeonbuk’s youth system before signing a pro contract at 18. Those academy years shaped his calm style and his ability to read the game.

Kim also represented South Korea at the U-16, U-17, U-19, and U-20 levels, including the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

That international experience, combined with his academy training, helped shape him into a goalkeeper ready to adapt to any tactical system in MLS.

International Experience

Kim Joon Hong’s early years really shaped his path to Major League Soccer. His steady rise through South Korea’s youth system and first senior call-up show the progress that comes from consistent performance and composure in goal.

South Korea Youth National Teams

You really get a sense of Kim Joon Hong’s foundation by looking at his time with South Korea’s youth national teams. He played for the U-16, U-17, U-19, and U-20 squads, picking up valuable experience against international opponents.

His standout moment came at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where South Korea finished fourth. He brought a calm presence and quick reactions in goal, helping the team push through some tough knockout rounds.

He came up through the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC academy. That academy has produced quite a few professionals for both club and country. The structure there gave him the technical base and mental discipline to handle high-pressure matches.

Level	Years Active	Notable Tournament	Result
U-16	2018	AFC U-16 Championship	Group Stage
U-17	2019	FIFA U-17 World Cup	Round of 16
U-19	2021	AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers	Advanced
U-20	2023	FIFA U-20 World Cup	Fourth Place

These early matches set him up for the challenges of playing abroad and fighting for a senior roster spot.

Senior National Team Call-Up

Kim Joon Hong got his first senior national team call-up in August 2023. That’s a huge step for a 21-year-old goalkeeper.

He joined South Korea for friendlies against Wales and Saudi Arabia. That marked his introduction to the senior team environment.

The selection came after a strong run in the K League 1, where he had 15 clean sheets in 34 matches before moving to D.C. United. Coaches liked his shot-stopping, composure, and how he organized defenders.

He didn’t debut during that window, but the call-up showed he’s part of South Korea’s next wave of goalkeepers. If he keeps developing in MLS, he could land spots in World Cup qualifying or the Asian Cup down the line.

Performance and Statistics

Kim Joon Hong keeps growing into his role at D.C. United. You see steady improvement, mixed with flashes of sharp reflexes.

His record has a blend of clean sheets, key saves, and moments that really define his early MLS career.

Clean Sheets and Saves

Kim’s first full MLS season showed why D.C. United put their trust in him. He stands 6’2″ and weighs 150 lbs, using his reach to close angles and command his area.

In 8 matches, he picked up 1 clean sheet and made 23 saves, according to FootyStats. His save percentage sat around league average, but his shot-stopping under pressure stood out.

Statistic	Total (2025 MLS)	Notes
Matches Played	8	Regular Season
Clean Sheets	1	First MLS shutout
Saves	23	Across all appearances
Goals Conceded	19	Includes late-match penalties
Save Percentage	~55%	Approximate from match data

He’s getting more composed, especially in one-on-one situations. His reaction time and positioning have been reliable strengths since his youth days in South Korea.

Notable Matches

One of his top outings came against Philadelphia, where he made six saves to secure a 1–1 draw. MLS analysts gave him credit for his quick recovery speed and calm decision-making.

Against Atlanta United, he faced nine shots on target and stopped seven. Even though the team lost, you could see his confidence grow with each stop.

In a midseason match against New England, he denied a close-range header in stoppage time. That kind of moment built his reputation as a young keeper who doesn’t shy away from pressure.

After training at Jeonju University, Kim joined D.C. United and has adapted well to MLS’s pace. His timing and communication with defenders get better each start.

Season Highlights

The 2025 season marked his first as a regular starter after arriving from South Korea in early 2024. His market value jumped to €400k, which shows his rising profile, according to Transfermarkt.

He’s commanding his penalty area more confidently, especially on set pieces. His footwork on back passes has improved too, helping D.C. United keep possession under pressure.

Some key highlights: his debut clean sheet at Audi Field, a couple of double-save sequences, and his first MLS Team of the Week mention.

Even with limited matches, he’s looked steady and reliable. His calm presence and technical discipline make him one of D.C. United’s more promising young players.

Media, News, and Fan Engagement

K. Joon Hong’s move to D.C. United has definitely caught the eye of both U.S. and Korean media. His growing presence in match coverage, highlight reels, and social media keeps him on the radar as one of the young goalkeepers to watch in Major League Soccer.

Latest News and Updates

You can follow Joon Hong’s progress through updates from D.C. United’s official site and MLS Soccer. These outlets cover his performances, clean sheets, and training milestones.

He joined D.C. United in early 2025 after leaving Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC. The club signed him through 2027, with an option for 2028. At just 21, he’s already become a piece of the team’s defensive rebuild.

Recent Stats (2024 Season)

Club	Matches	Wins	Clean Sheets	Saves	Minutes Played
Gimcheon Sangmu FC	17	10	9	30+	1,500+
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC	17	8	6	33	1,515
Total	34	18	15	63	3,015

You’ll find him featured in local Washington reports and Korean-language sports media, which shows how his international fan base keeps growing.

Video Highlights

You can catch Joon Hong’s saves and distribution in short clips from D.C. United’s YouTube channel and on Mad About College Sports. These videos highlight his quick reflexes, steady footwork, and how he organizes his defense.

Clubs post matchday highlight packages that show his reactions after big saves. The team’s media staff also shares behind-the-scenes training footage and postgame interviews.

If you watch MLS broadcasts, you’ll notice analysts replaying his positioning and command in the box. Those highlight segments help fans see how he fits into head coach Troy Lesesne’s defensive setup.

Social Media Presence

You can follow Joon Hong’s journey on D.C. United’s official Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok accounts. The team posts short clips, training photos, and ticket promos tied to his appearances.

Fans jump into the comments, leaving supportive messages in English and Korean. His follower count keeps climbing as international supporters connect through shared content.

Joon Hong sometimes posts personal updates, giving a glimpse into his adjustment to life in Washington, D.C. Interviews like the one on NBC Washington talk about his transition and community involvement, adding more depth to his public image.

D.C. United in Major League Soccer

D.C. United is a club with deep roots in American soccer. The team’s history, home atmosphere, and relentless schedule really test every new player—including Kim Joon Hong—as he adapts to the league’s pace and physicality.

Rivalries and Key Matches

D.C. United’s biggest rivalry is the Atlantic Cup against the New York Red Bulls. These matches often decide playoff spots and mean a lot to the fans. Games with Philadelphia Union and Atlanta United bring their own energy, and every fixture can shake up the conference standings.

When D.C. United faces Atlanta United, you get a real contrast: Atlanta’s possession-heavy attack against United’s structured defense. These matchups highlight how the goalkeeper deals with pressure and transitions.

Key rivalries over the years have given us some memorable moments—late goals, penalty saves, you name it. For someone like Joon Hong, these games offer the kind of experience that translates to international play.

Rival Team	Competition	Typical Venue	Notable Result
New York Red Bulls	Atlantic Cup	Red Bull Arena	2–1 win (2023)
Philadelphia Union	MLS Regular Season	Audi Field	3–2 win (2022)
Atlanta United	MLS Regular Season	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	1–1 draw (2024)

Notable Stadiums

You’ll see D.C. United play home matches at Audi Field, a soccer-specific stadium in Washington, D.C., that opened in 2018. The place seats about 20,000 and has modern training facilities and supporter sections that really crank up the home-field advantage.

Audi Field’s design keeps fans close to the action, which helps players feed off the crowd. Visiting teams often struggle with the compact layout and quick surface—perfect for fast transitions and aggressive pressing.

On the road, D.C. United visits major MLS stadiums like Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and Children’s Mercy Park, home of Sporting KC. Each venue throws different challenges at the team, from turf to crowd noise, testing how goalkeepers and defenders adapt.

Upcoming Fixtures

D.C. United’s schedule looks like it’ll really push the squad’s depth and their ability to handle long trips. They’ll go up against both Eastern and Western Conference teams, with tough away games at Atlanta United and Sporting KC.

I think these matches will put Joon Hong’s leadership of the back line right in the spotlight. He’ll need to organize the defense under some serious pressure.

Home games at Audi Field tend to come in bunches during the middle of the season. That stretch gives the team a good shot at building some momentum before the playoff race gets wild.

Traveling across so many time zones? That’s no joke. The coaching staff has to juggle recovery and squad rotation just to keep everyone fresh.

Sample Schedule Snapshot:

Date	Opponent	Venue	Competition
May 10, 2025	Atlanta United	Audi Field	MLS Regular Season
June 2, 2025	Sporting KC	Children’s Mercy Park	MLS Regular Season
July 14, 2025	New York Red Bulls	Audi Field	Atlantic Cup
August 3, 2025	Philadelphia Union	Subaru Park	MLS Regular Season

Every game is another chance for the young goalkeeper to learn and grow. We’ll see how D.C. United adapts and pushes forward in Major League Soccer.