01

SCOUTING REPORT 02

Domestic · distributing No. 6

Han Chan-hee

Suwon FC · defensive midfielder · aged 29

0.94Distribution index (Kim Bong-soo = 1.00)
1.00Recovery index (Kim Bong-soo = 1.00)
116Players assessed on the same criteria

Follows on from Problem B in the match report: "Distribution depends on Kim Bong-soo alone."

Hyuckjin Han · 2026.09 · K League data portal · public data · media

A web version of the player report (written September 2026) that grew out of Problem B in Daejeon Hana Citizen's R28 match report — "distribution hangs on Kim Bong-soo alone". Player photos removed.

Contents
02

Summary

Recommendation: Han Chan-hee (Suwon FC) — the No. 6 to handle distribution when Kim Bong-soo is out

Why this player

By the numbers

Risks we're not hiding

  • Of the two with no shortfall (Han Chan-hee · Jeong Ho-yeon), the No. 6 most like Kim Bong-soo
  • K League 1 2026 has 0 Korean No. 6s with no shortfall — the profile itself is rare
  • 10.7% of passes in the attacking third — distributes from deep, like Kim Bong-soo
  • Distribution 0.94 · recovery 1.00 (Kim Bong-soo = 1.00)
  • Overall percentile 85 among 54 K League 2 MFs
  • Market value €87k — lowest among candidates with a confirmed value
  • Knee injury v Cheonan City 6/7 → back in August, still only 23 min off the bench
  • Distribution short under the same definition in his K League 1 seasons (2024–25) (0.87 · 0.66)
  • 29 · Suwon FC captain → transfer-fee negotiation

Next steps

① Check knee-injury medical records ② Design the role to start as a secondary distributor alongside Kim Bong-soo ③ Negotiate in the 2027 winter window (fallback: Jeong Ho-yeon)

03

Starting point · the match report, Problem B

Without Kim Bong-soo, no one takes over distribution

R28 scenes (adopted observations)Data
#3 Kim Bong-soo left out of the XI → Bobsin drops into the centre-back line to distribute in his place0–20 min: Bobsin average position X 48, passes 20/20
Limited scope: distribution rose in the same role after Kim Bong-soo came inPasses 7 → 19, pass start X 58 → 66
#5 9' — a single forward pass takes both double-pivot players out of the gameGoal conceded 18 seconds later

Profile sought — a No. 6 who keeps distribution going when Kim Bong-soo is out and can defend in transition

Kim Bong-soo: 24 starts in 27 matches, team No. 1 on every distribution metric. His three partners played under 900 min, and none combines distribution (Bobsin) and recovery (Lee Soon-min).

2026 minutes — Kim Bong-soo and 3 partners

400030002000100002500886867828Kim Bong-sooLee Hyun-sikLee Soon-minBobsin
Per 90 (portal)Kim Bong-sooLee Soon-minLee Hyun-sikBobsin
Passing54.952.549.054.3
Forward passes completed18.314.011.016.5
Ball recovery12.914.813.710.9
04

Criteria

Five criteria drawn from match scenes — the same yardstick for every candidate

CriteriaWhat we look at (K League portal, same definitions as Kim Bong-soo)Supporting clipsMetCloseShort
DistributionAverage of pass volume · forward passes completed · forward pass accuracy, each divided by Kim Bong-soo's#3 Bobsin covers distribution1.00 or above0.90–0.99Below 0.90
Recovery(Interceptions + blocks + recoveries + successful tackles) / 90, divided by Kim Bong-soo's value#5 Double pivot bypassed1.00 or above0.90–0.99Below 0.90
Role≤25% of passes in the attacking third + ≥40 passes/90 = deep distributor—Passed—Dropped (1st filter)
Age · minutesAged 30 or under · 1,200+ min last season—Aged 26↓ · 1,500 min↑OthersOver 30
AvailabilityClub · contract · market value · military service—No obstaclesTransfer fee requiredOut of reach

Recommendation rules

1

Keep only players with no shortfall at all

Dropped if well short on any criterion

2

Of those, the player most like Kim Bong-soo

Player with both indices closest to 1.00

3

If they're close, the player we can sign now

Decide on contract, cost and timing

05

Breadth of the search

116 players assessed on the same criteria; the recommendation changed three times

Players per pool → candidates with no shortfall
K League 2 Korean MFs
48
K League 1 Korean MFs
37
Players abroad · returnees
15
Reverse: domestic attacking options
25
Candidates with no shortfall
1
K League 2: 48 → role, age, nationality → 5 → no shortfall 1
K League 1: 37 → role 10 → no shortfall 0
Abroad 15 · reverse scenario 25 → 0
How the recommendation changed
Report 08 Jeong Ho-yeon
Initial recommendation — best distribution, but owned by an MLS club
Report 11 Park Chang-hwan
The "forward-minded partner" hypothesis — not a distributor
Report 13 Park Su-bin
August move to K League 1 Jeju Confirmed
Report 15 Han Chan-hee
Redefining the "distributing No. 6" criteria from the R28 scenes
Reports 16–18 retained
Players abroad · K League 1 · rechecked down to the reverse scenario

Report numbers follow working-document order. All figures can be reproduced from public data such as the K League data portal.

06

K League 2 · full pool

48 Korean MFs against the Kim Bong-soo benchmark, on one page

RecommendedFinal candidatesOthersKim Bong-soo (K League 1 2026)
Both axes ≥90% of Kim Bong-soo0.40.450.550.60.70.750.850.911.051.151.2Jo Ji-hoonKim Sun-minHong Won-jinPark Jae-sungPark Su-binJeong Ho-yeonKoo Bon-cheolPark Hyun-binKim Bong-sooHan Chan-heeDistribution index (Kim Bong-soo = 1.00)Recovery index (Kim Bong-soo = 1.00)

Aged 30 or under in the green zone — Jeong Ho-yeon · Park Su-bin · Han Chan-hee

Park Su-bin moved within K1 in August. Of the remaining two, Han Chan-hee is closer to Kim Bong-soo. Kim Sun-min (34) excluded on age

Right — distributor

Jo Ji-hoon (36) · Park Su-bin · Jeong Ho-yeon. Recovery below the bar

Top — recovery type

Hong Won-jin (enlisted) · Park Hyun-bin · Park Jae-sung. Distribution below 0.80

Lower-left cluster

Mostly ≥25% in the attacking third — advanced types, not No. 6s

K League data portal, 2026 K League 2 R1–R26. Distribution = (passes/54.9 + successful forward passes/18.3 + forward %/79.9) ÷ 3, recovery = recoveries/12.89. Kim Bong-soo = K League 1 2026, same definition.

07

K League 2 · full list 1/3

Ranked 1–16 by distribution index

#PlayerClubminPasses/90Attacking thirdDistributionRecoveryResultReason flagged
1Jo Ji-hoonAnsan Greeners1,81064.38.8%1.100.83Excluded36 · recovery short 0.83
2Park Su-binSeongnam FC → Jeju SK1,55965.612.1%1.100.91CandidateAugust move to Jeju SK (K1) · successful passes 59 → 30/90 since the move
3Jeong Ho-yeonSuwon Samsung2,19659.919.2%1.070.93CandidateDistribution 1.07 · owned by Minnesota (MLS), on loan at Suwon until ~2026-12
4Han Chan-heeSuwon FC1,37951.810.7%0.941.00RecommendedNo shortfall · both axes within ±6% of Kim Bong-soo
5Koo Bon-cheolSuwon FC1,69447.716.7%0.940.88CandidateRecovery Short 0.88
6Kim Sun-minChungbuk Cheongju2,57054.613.7%0.921.00Excluded34
7Hwang Jae-wonDaegu FC2,36853.422.5%0.890.83ExcludedActual position RB
8Son Jun-hoChungnam Asan2,33151.419.4%0.851.05Excluded34 · distribution short 0.85
9Kim Do-hyeokGimpo FC1,80153.314.2%0.850.99Excluded34 · distribution short 0.85
10Go Seung-beomSuwon Samsung1,59746.024.9%0.820.91Excluded32 · distribution short 0.82
11Choi Han-solJeonnam Dragons1,53146.47.5%0.800.80ExcludedDistribution short 0.80 · recovery short 0.80
12Lee Hak-minGimpo FC1,42646.630.6%0.760.99ExcludedDistribution short 0.76 · progressive type (A3 30.6%)
13Hong Won-jinJeonnam Dragons1,31046.712.8%0.761.14Excluded2026-08 joined Gimcheon Sangmu (military service)
14Park Hye-seongBusan IPark1,28137.416.4%0.760.78ExcludedDistribution short 0.76 · recovery short 0.78 · pass volume 37.4
15Ryu Jae-moonDaegu FC1,60540.715.3%0.750.76Excluded32 · distribution short 0.75 · recovery short 0.76
16Kim Jeong-hyeonGyeongnam FC2,10238.519.0%0.750.98ExcludedDistribution short · passes 38.5 · history of position misclassification

Grey = below criteria (distribution·recovery under 0.90, under 40 passes, attacking-third share over 25%). Teal bold = Kim Bong-soo or above. Age shown only if over 30.

08

K League 2 · full list 2/3

17th–32nd — below 0.80 the role changes

#PlayerClubminPasses/90Attacking thirdDistributionRecoveryResultReason flagged
17Park Hyun-binSuwon Samsung1,28542.722.3%0.741.08CandidateDistribution short 0.74 · aged 23, long-term watch
18Choi Young-junYongin FC1,64443.712.8%0.740.95Excluded34 · distribution short 0.74
19Lee Jae-wonSuwon FC1,73739.917.9%0.740.99ExcludedDistribution short 0.74 · pass volume 39.9
20Lee Jong-sungHwaseong FC1,72441.615.7%0.720.94Excluded34 · distribution short 0.72
21Kim Han-seoYongin FC1,96936.611.7%0.700.74ExcludedDistribution short 0.70 · recovery short 0.74 · pass volume 36.6
22Yoon Min-hoJeonnam Dragons1,27037.224.6%0.700.77ExcludedDistribution short 0.70 · recovery short 0.77 · pass volume 37.2
23Min Ji-hoonChungbuk Cheongju1,23036.734.5%0.700.62ExcludedDistribution short 0.70 · recovery short 0.62 · pass volume 36.7
24Pyo Geon-heeGimhae FC1,82240.817.1%0.690.80ExcludedActually a defender (DF) · distribution Short
25Kim Han-gilYongin FC1,51736.118.3%0.680.75ExcludedDistribution short 0.68 · recovery short 0.75 · pass volume 36.1
26Park Chang-wooCheonan City2,42936.831.2%0.670.80ExcludedDistribution short 0.67 · recovery short 0.80 · pass volume 36.8
27Bae Hyun-seoGyeongnam FC1,67633.721.8%0.660.82ExcludedDistribution short 0.66 · recovery short 0.82 · pass volume 33.7
28Park Kyeong-minHwaseong FC1,25333.227.1%0.640.53ExcludedDistribution short 0.64 · recovery short 0.53 · pass volume 33.2
29Choi Kang-minDaegu FC1,37237.124.6%0.640.82ExcludedDistribution short 0.64 · recovery short 0.82 · pass volume 37.1
30Park Chang-hwanSeoul E-Land2,35534.926.6%0.630.95ExcludedProgressive type (34.9 passes, 26.6% in attacking third) · renewed to 2028, vice-captain
31Lee Dong-sooBusan IPark1,34439.512.4%0.630.88ExcludedDistribution short 0.63 · recovery short 0.88 · pass volume 39.5
32Choi Beom-gyeongPaju Frontier2,40131.523.0%0.630.90ExcludedDistribution short 0.63 · pass volume 31.5

Grey = below criteria (distribution·recovery under 0.90, under 40 passes, attacking-third share over 25%). Teal bold = Kim Bong-soo or above. Age shown only if over 30.

09

K League 2 · full list 3/3

33rd–48th — mostly forward-minded (fewer than 40 passes, over 25% in the attacking third)

#PlayerClubminPasses/90Attacking thirdDistributionRecoveryResultReason flagged
33Lee Yu-chanGimhae FC1,52335.323.3%0.600.71ExcludedDistribution short 0.60 · recovery short 0.71 · pass volume 35.3
34Kang Dong-hyunAnsan Greeners1,91632.324.3%0.600.74ExcludedDistribution short 0.60 · recovery short 0.74 · pass volume 32.3
35Kim Dae-wooDaegu FC1,68029.626.8%0.600.81ExcludedDistribution short 0.60 · recovery short 0.81 · pass volume 29.6
36Lim Chang-seokGimpo FC1,44131.540.1%0.590.67ExcludedDistribution short 0.59 · recovery short 0.67 · pass volume 31.5
37Kim Dae-hwanHwaseong FC2,37834.432.0%0.580.67ExcludedWide option (RM·RWB) · distribution & recovery Short
38Park Jae-sungHwaseong FC1,57328.316.0%0.581.05ExcludedDistribution short 0.58 · pass volume 28.3
39Kim Beom-suJeonnam Dragons1,58626.036.7%0.580.59ExcludedDistribution short 0.58 · recovery short 0.59 · pass volume 26
40Heo Seung-chanChungbuk Cheongju2,14529.631.2%0.580.78ExcludedDistribution short 0.58 · recovery short 0.78 · pass volume 29.6
41Lee Dong-hyeopCheonan City1,77834.229.5%0.570.71ExcludedDistribution short 0.57 · recovery short 0.71 · pass volume 34.2
42Kim Min-hyeokBusan IPark1,76128.724.7%0.570.76ExcludedDistribution short 0.57 · recovery short 0.76 · pass volume 28.7
43Hong Jeong-woonPaju Frontier1,99127.110.9%0.571.02ExcludedDistribution short 0.57 · pass volume 27.1
44Kwon Ki-pyoGyeongnam FC1,32428.520.5%0.560.47ExcludedDistribution short 0.56 · recovery short 0.47 · pass volume 28.5
45Kim Jeong-hwanSuwon FC1,20830.743.9%0.550.64ExcludedDistribution short 0.55 · recovery short 0.64 · pass volume 30.7
46Yoo Jae-junPaju Frontier1,55824.439.3%0.530.76ExcludedDistribution short 0.53 · recovery short 0.76 · pass volume 24.4
47Jeong Ji-yongJeonnam Dragons1,48622.049.3%0.500.64ExcludedDistribution short 0.50 · recovery short 0.64 · pass volume 22
48Hong Seok-junChungbuk Cheongju1,35019.352.1%0.470.56ExcludedDistribution short 0.47 · recovery short 0.56 · pass volume 19.3

Grey = below criteria (distribution·recovery under 0.90, under 40 passes, attacking-third share over 25%). Teal bold = Kim Bong-soo or above. Age shown only if over 30.

10

K League 1 · widened

Even widening to Korean No. 6s in K League 1, no one had no shortfall

K League 1 2026 (R1–28) pool
MF 1,200+ min
50
Excl. Daejeon & foreign players
37
Role passed
10
No shortfall
0

Of the 10 who passed the role filter, none clears 0.90 on both indices. Even the two closest fall short on distribution.

Closest playerDistributionRecovery
Park Tae-jun (Gimcheon Sangmu, 27)0.880.92
Seo Min-woo (Gangwon, 28)0.861.03
Kim Jin-kyu (Jeonbuk, 29)0.950.73
10 passed role filter (K League 1 2026)27 othersHan Chan-hee (K League 1 seasons, same definition)Han Chan-hee 2026 K League 2Kim Bong-soo
Both axes ≥90% of Kim Bong-soo0.350.40.50.550.650.70.80.850.9511.11.15Ki Sung-yuengKim Jin-kyuJoo Se-jongPark Tae-junSeo Min-wooKim Jeong-hyeonSeo Jae-minKim Dong-jinOh Jae-hyukLee Myung-joo2024 K1 Pohang2025 K1 Suwon FCKim Bong-soo2026 K2Distribution index (Kim Bong-soo = 1.00)Recovery index (Kim Bong-soo = 1.00)

K League data portal: K League 1 2026 R1–28 player match metrics (same definitions as K League 2). Age and nationality as of 2026-09. Han Chan-hee's K1 season values calculated with the same definitions.

11

K League 1 · 10 passed the role filter

Not even K League 1 has a Korean No. 6 who combines distribution and recovery

PlayerClubAgeminDistributionRecoveryDistribution verdictRecovery verdictReason flagged
Ki Sung-yuengPohang371,3781.010.75MetShort37 · recovery 0.75
Kim Jin-kyuJeonbuk292,1560.950.73CloseShortRecovery 0.73
Joo Se-jongGwangju351,3480.930.83CloseShort35 · recovery 0.83
Park Tae-junGimcheon Sangmu272,2740.880.92ShortCloseMilitary service (Gimcheon Sangmu) · distribution 0.88
Seo Min-wooGangwon281,9950.861.03ShortMetDistribution 0.86
Kim Jeong-hyeonFC Anyang331,8840.841.06ShortMet33 · distribution 0.84
Seo Jae-minIncheon232,7170.790.82ShortShortDistribution 0.79 · recovery 0.82
Kim Dong-jinPohang231,9260.790.95ShortCloseDistribution 0.79
Oh Jae-hyukJeju SK → Gimcheon Sangmu241,3680.750.87ShortShortMilitary service (Gimcheon Sangmu) · distribution 0.75 · recovery 0.87
Lee Myung-jooIncheon361,9850.730.90ShortClose36 · distribution 0.73

On the 2025 season

Lee Chang-min (Jeju SK) 1.13 · 1.08 — 32, 521 min in 2026 · Seo Min-woo (Gangwon) 0.98 · 0.99 — distribution fell to 0.86 in 2026 · Kim Dong-hyun (Gangwon) 0.90 · 1.01 — 753 min in 2026 · Kim Jung-hyun (Anyang) 0.94 · 1.28 — 33 · Park Jin-seob (Jeonbuk → Zhejiang, China) 0.93 · 1.00

Verdict criteria: Met 1.00+ · Close 0.90–0.99 · Short below 0.90 (Kim Bong-soo = 1.00). Gimcheon Sangmu players are on military service and cannot be signed before returning to their parent club.

12

K League 1 · full list

37 Korean MFs — by distribution index

PlayerClubAgeDistributionRecoveryReason flagged
Ki Sung-yuengPohang371.010.7537 · recovery 0.75
Kim Jin-kyuJeonbuk290.950.73Recovery 0.73
Joo Se-jongGwangju350.930.8335 · recovery 0.83
Park Tae-junGimcheon Sangmu270.880.92Military service (Gimcheon Sangmu) · distribution 0.88
Seo Min-wooGangwon280.861.03Distribution 0.86
Kim Jeong-hyeonFC Anyang330.841.0633 · distribution 0.84
Lee Kyu-sungUlsan HD320.830.7532 · distribution 0.83 · recovery 0.75
Seo Jae-minIncheon230.790.82Distribution 0.79 · recovery 0.82
Kim Dong-jinPohang230.790.95Distribution 0.79
Oh Jae-hyukJeju → Gimcheon240.750.87Military service (Gimcheon Sangmu) · distribution 0.75 · recovery 0.87
Lee Myung-jooIncheon360.730.9036 · distribution 0.73
Yoo Je-hoGwangju260.710.57Distribution 0.71 · recovery 0.57 · pass volume 39.8
Lee Yu-hyeonGangwon290.701.09Distribution 0.70 · pass volume 39
Kang Sang-yunJeonbuk220.690.48Distribution 0.69 · recovery 0.48 · pass volume 32.2
Lee Seung-wooJeonbuk280.650.53Distribution 0.65 · recovery 0.53 · pass volume 36.6
Kim Sang-junBucheon240.630.70Distribution 0.63 · recovery 0.70 · pass volume 31.6
Hong Yoon-sangGimcheon Sangmu240.620.73Military service (Gimcheon Sangmu) · distribution 0.62 · recovery 0.73
Lee Hee-gyunUlsan HD280.590.64Distribution 0.59 · recovery 0.64 · pass volume 31.8
Lee Seung-moFC Seoul280.590.78Distribution 0.59 · recovery 0.78 · pass volume 29.8
PlayerClubAgeDistributionRecoveryReason flagged
Moon Min-seoGwangju220.590.47Distribution 0.59 · recovery 0.47 · pass volume 29.6
Jeong Seung-wonFC Seoul290.570.63Distribution 0.57 · recovery 0.63 · pass volume 30.2
Kim Jun-haJeju SK—0.550.69Distribution 0.55 · recovery 0.69 · pass volume 23.5
Lee Jin-hyunUlsan HD290.540.63Distribution 0.54 · recovery 0.63 · pass volume 28.4
Ahn Tae-hyunBucheon330.530.6633 · distribution 0.53 · recovery 0.66
Jang Min-gyuJeju SK270.530.77Distribution 0.53 · recovery 0.77 · pass volume 25.4
Kim Dae-wonGangwon290.520.63Distribution 0.52 · recovery 0.63 · pass volume 28.8
Moon Seon-minFC Seoul340.520.5334 · distribution 0.52 · recovery 0.53
Hwang Seo-woongPohang210.520.72Distribution 0.52 · recovery 0.72 · pass volume 28.9
Mo Jae-hyeonGangwon300.510.68Distribution 0.51 · recovery 0.68 · pass volume 27.6
Song Min-kyuFC Seoul270.510.46Distribution 0.51 · recovery 0.46 · pass volume 23.5
Kim Seung-seopJeonbuk290.510.49Distribution 0.51 · recovery 0.49 · pass volume 22.5
Son Jeong-beomFC Seoul180.500.58Distribution 0.50 · recovery 0.58 · pass volume 21.2
Lee Dong-ryulIncheon260.450.46Distribution 0.45 · recovery 0.46 · pass volume 21
Go Jae-hyeonGimcheon Sangmu270.440.43Military service (Gimcheon Sangmu) · distribution 0.44 · recovery 0.43
Jeong Ji-hoonGwangju220.420.43Distribution 0.42 · recovery 0.43 · pass volume 17
Shin Chang-mooGwangju340.400.5634 · distribution 0.40 · recovery 0.56
Lee Dong-junJeonbuk290.340.42Distribution 0.34 · recovery 0.42 · pass volume 15.3

K League 1 2026 R1–28, Korean MFs with 1,200+ min (excluding Daejeon players). Blank age = Unconfirmed.

13

Players abroad · returnees

It is not "domestic because we didn't look abroad" — every Korean No. 6 and No. 8 abroad was checked

PlayerCurrent clubAgeSeason assessed (FotMob)DistributionRecoveryRoleReason flagged
Won Du-jaeShimizu S-Pulse (J1, moved 2026-07)28UAE Khor Fakkan 25/26 · 1,010 min1.100.78DM·CMRecovery Short · chose J1 over K League in July
Kwon Hyeok-kyuKarlsruher SC (2. Bundesliga), contract to 202825Hibernian 24/25 · 1,095 min0.580.87CM·DMDistribution & recovery short · wants to stay in Europe
Park Jin-seopZhejiang (China)30China 2026 · 2,011 min0.800.76DM·CBDistribution & recovery short
Park Yong-wooUlsan HD (returned 2026-08)33Al-Ain 24/25 · 1,925 min1.060.98DM33 · already at K1 Ulsan (the only one who passes on the data)
Hwang In-beomFC Porto (2026-07, fee up to KRW 8.5bn)30Feyenoord 25/26 · 983 min0.571.01CMDistribution short (progressive type) · outside cost range
Paik Seung-hoBirmingham City, contract 202829Championship 25/26 · 3,374 min0.670.90DM·CMDistribution short · contract 2028
Hong Hyun-seokOn loan at Midtjylland (owned by Mainz)27Gent 23/24 · 2,348 min0.661.13AMDistribution short · main position AM · no 900-min season recently
CastropMönchengladbach, contract to 202923Bundesliga 25/26 · 1,592 min0.371.11Wing-backDistribution short · wing-back · MV €5M
Lee Kang-heeAustria Wien, contract 202925Austria 25/26 · 1,477 min0.540.96DMDistribution short · contract 2029
Bae Seung-gyunDordrecht (Dutch 2nd tier)1925/26 · 1,398 min0.530.95DMDistribution short
Jo Jin-hoBatman Petrolspor23Konyaspor 25/26 · 1,101 min0.590.86DMDistribution & recovery short
Yoon Sung-junKyoto Sanga (J1), contract to 202919J1 2026 · 1,468 min0.521.20DMDistribution short · recovery type (Lee Soon-min type)
Lee Jae-sungMainz34Bundesliga 25/26 · 2,198 min0.350.75CM·AM34 · distribution & recovery short
Lee Kang-in(Not assessed)25Ligue 1 25/26 · 1,522 min1.090.60RW·AMAttacking type — not a No. 6
Seo Jae-minIncheon United (K1)23K1 2026 (outside portal comparison scope)——DMK1 club → transfer fee · indices not calculated
Benchmark: Han Chan-heeSuwon FC29K League 2 2026 · 1,227 min0.960.95DMCalculated the same way, both axes are Close

FotMob distribution = (accurate passes/55.6 + accurate long passes/2.89) ÷ 2, recovery = (tackles + interceptions + recoveries)/8.14 — Kim Bong-soo K1 2026 = 1.00. No league-strength adjustment.

14

Reverse scenario · domestic forward

Finding a forward at home? — No Seo Jin-su type in K League 2

PlayerClubBall retentionBox shotsAtt. PPositionReason flagged
Park Jae-yongSeoul E-Land0.452.020.58STBall retention short 0.45 · ST only
Jegal Jae-minHwaseong FC0.981.770.53LW·LMData passed · roles short
Ha Jung-wooSuwon FC0.441.700.57STBall retention short 0.44 · ST only
Kim Hyeon-oGyeongnam FC0.461.570.52ST·LMBall retention short 0.46
Suk Hyun-junYongin FC1.041.570.41STAtt. P 0.41 · 35
Park Dong-jinGimpo FC0.441.550.22STBall retention 0.44 · att. P 0.22
Lee Jong-eonChungbuk Cheongju1.961.410.27LW·STAtt. P 0.27
Yoon Min-hoSeongnam FC0.971.360.32STAtt. P 0.32
Lee Sang-junCheonan City0.151.290.21FWBall retention 0.15 · att. P 0.21
Lee Seung-jaeGimhae FC0.631.270.29FW·MFBall retention 0.63 · att. P 0.29
Kim Ju-gongDaegu FC1.310.970.39ST · LW + 2 moreBox shots 0.97 · G+A 0.39
Choi Ki-yoonSuwon FC1.150.970.18RW · AM + 2 moreBox shots 0.97 · G+A 0.18
PlayerClubBall retentionBox shotsAtt. PPositionReason flagged
Kim Jeong-hwanSuwon FC0.220.890.22MFBall retention 0.22 · PA 0.89 · att. P 0.22
Lee Jun-seokPaju Frontier1.240.830.14FWBox shots 0.83 · G+A 0.14
Jeong Ji-yongJeonnam Dragons1.820.730.18LM·LWBox shots 0.73 · G+A 0.18
Min Ji-hoonChungbuk Cheongju0.950.730.15MFBox shots 0.73 · G+A 0.15
Kim Dae-hwanHwaseong FC0.830.260.23RM·RWBBox shots 0.26 · G+A 0.23
Hong Seok-junChungbuk Cheongju0.730.400.00MFBox shots 0.40 · G+A 0.00
Yoo Jae-junPaju Frontier1.680.400.23MFBox shots 0.40 · G+A 0.23
Heo Seung-chanChungbuk Cheongju1.850.380.08MFBox shots 0.38 · G+A 0.08
Lim Chang-seokGimpo FC0.750.370.19MFBox shots 0.37 · G+A 0.19
Park Chang-wooCheonan City0.930.220.15MFBox shots 0.22 · G+A 0.15
Kim Beom-suJeonnam Dragons0.740.110.34MFBox shots 0.11 · G+A 0.34
Lee Hak-minGimpo FC0.320.440.06MFBall retention 0.32 · PA 0.44 · att. P 0.06

Benchmark Seo Jin-su (Daejeon): ball retention 0.64 · shots in box 1.21 · Att. P 0.51/90 · 5 positions → cut: ≥90% of benchmark on all three metrics + 2+ positions

Result: 0 passed

Only one player clears all three metrics: Jegal Jae-min (Hwaseong). But he plays only LW/LM — if he can't step up into a front two, the Ludwigson problem repeats.

K1 reference · Lee Seung-woo (Jeonbuk, 28) — passes on ability, not signable

Ball retention 3.07 · box touches 5.60 · xG+xA 0.72/90 · LW·RW·AM (2026). Signed a 4-year 6-month contract in 2024-07, reportedly the best terms in club history.

15

Conclusion of the reverse scenario

Roles Koreans can fill, and roles they can't

Domestic players

Foreign

Distributing No. 6

Problem B

Yes

2 candidates with no shortfall — Han Chan-hee · Jeong Ho-yeon

48 from K League 2 · 37 from K League 1 · 15 abroad reviewed

Many

28 candidates above the criteria

Macek · Illescas · Winther etc.

Multi-role left forward

Problem A

None

0 passed the criteria

24 attacking players in K League 2. K1's Lee Seung-woo passes on ability, not signable

Yes

4 candidates with no shortfall — Rebić and others

Maswanhise · Otero · Kiteishvili

Conclusion

Foreign slots go where a Korean player can't fill the role.

A distributing No. 6 can be found at home. A multi-role forward like Seo Jin-su does not exist in the Korean market.

→ Domestic No. 6 + foreign forward

The reverse combination (domestic forward + foreign No. 6) doesn't work: a foreign No. 6 can be found, but the domestic forward slot stays empty.

16

5 final candidates

Candidates with no shortfall: Han Chan-hee and Jeong Ho-yeon — Han Chan-hee is closer to Kim Bong-soo

CandidateClubAgeDistributionRecoveryDistributionRecoveryAgeAppearancesAvailabilityBasis for verdict
Jeong Ho-yeonSuwon Samsung251.070.93MetCloseMetMetCloseOwned by MLS Minnesota United → transfer-fee negotiation
Park Su-binJeju SK271.100.91MetCloseCloseMetShortJust after the August move to K1 · distribution halved at Jeju
Han Chan-heeSuwon FC290.941.00CloseMetCloseCloseCloseTransfer fee required · knee injury 6/7, back in August
Koo Bon-cheolSuwon FC260.940.88CloseShortMetMetCloseRecovery 0.88
Park Hyun-binSuwon Samsung230.741.08ShortMetMetCloseCloseDistribution 0.74

Met: Kim Bong-soo (baseline) or above · Close: 90%+ of baseline · Short: below 90% or signing obstacle

Jeong Ho-yeon is a good player too — his distribution is higher than Kim Bong-soo's (1.07). Han Chan-hee's two indices are almost identical to Kim Bong-soo's (0.94 · 1.00). We recommend Han Chan-hee to take the same role on days Kim Bong-soo is out, with Jeong Ho-yeon as the second option.

Figures: K League data portal, 2026 K League 2. Club and age as of 2026-09, cross-checked with media. Distance from Kim Bong-soo: Han Chan-hee 0.06 · Jeong Ho-yeon 0.10.

17

Player profile

Han Chan-hee — six attributes

Han Chan-hee

Suwon FC · DM · 29 · 181cm · right-footed

85

OVR

Among 54 K League 2 MFs

Average percentile across 6 metrics

Distribution volume86Progressive passes90Pass accuracy77Long pass82Ball recovery86Ball security90
ItemValuePercentileKim Bong-soo
Distribution volume51.758693
Progressive passes16.979094
Pass accuracy88.027791
Long pass3.398280
Ball recovery12.928685
Ball security0.269080
OVR8587

Teal solid line = Han Chan-hee, black dotted line = Kim Bong-soo (K1 values placed in the same pool), grey dotted line = pool median (50).

OVR is not a game-style absolute rating but a relative position among the same position in his league (54 K League 2 MFs with 1,200+ min). Speed and physicality cannot be measured from public data, so they are excluded. Kim Bong-soo plays in a different league — for reference only.

18

Conclusion

Why Han Chan-hee out of 116?

17.03.1997 · 181cm · right-footed
Jeonnam → FC Seoul → Gimcheon Sangmu (military service done) → Pohang (2023 FA Cup winners) → Suwon FC
2017 U-20 World Cup · 2026 Suwon FC captain

  1. 01

    The No. 6 most like Kim Bong-soo

    Of 48 Korean MFs in K League 2, those aged 30 or under above 90% of Kim Bong-soo on both indices: Jeong Ho-yeon · Park Su-bin · Han Chan-hee. Park Su-bin moved to K1 in August. Of the remaining two, the closer to Kim Bong-soo (1.00 · 1.00) is Han Chan-hee (0.94 · 1.00; Jeong Ho-yeon 1.07 · 0.93).

  2. 02

    The whole market is scarce

    Of 37 Korean MFs in K League 1 2026, 0 are No. 6s with no shortfall. Also 0 of 14 players abroad. It is not that we "failed to find a better player" — this profile is simply rare.

  3. 03

    Same type as Kim Bong-soo, at Daejeon-style cost

    10.7% of passes in the attacking third — a deeper distributor than Kim Bong-soo (19.3%). MV €87k, the lowest among candidates with a confirmed value (fits Daejeon's way: 0 public transfer fees).

19

Quality check ① · 2026 K League 2

Side by side with Kim Bong-soo on the same metrics

Per 90

Kim Bong-soo (Daejeon, K1)Han Chan-hee (Suwon FC, K2)
80604020054.918.312.951.817.012.9PassingForward passes completedBall recovery
Per 90 · ratioKim Bong-sooHan Chan-heeHow to read
Pass completion89.6%88.0%Equal
Forward pass accuracy79.9%76.2%Weakness — 3.7%p lower
Share of passes in the attacking third19.3%10.7%Deeper distributor
Successful long passes3.13.4Equal or better
Ground duel success46.7%72.7%Strength (but sample of only 11)
Miscontrols0.320.26Equal
Successful dribbles—0.07Doesn't carry the ball out

Distribution at 94% of Kim Bong-soo, recovery at 100%. He progresses only by passing — a distributor, not a carrier.

Han Chan-hee: K League 2 2026 portal, 1,379 min (R1–R26). Kim Bong-soo: K League 1 2026 portal, 2,500 min. Dribbles based on 1,227 min in K2 2026. No league-level adjustment.

20

Quality check ② · K League 1 experience

Recalculated with the same definition, his distribution was short in K League 1

Han Chan-hee K League portal indices (Kim Bong-soo 2026 = 1.00, Short line 0.90)

Distribution indexRecovery index
21.510.500.870.660.940.931.011.002024 K1 Pohang2025 K1 Suwon FC2026 K2 Suwon FC
SeasonminPasses/90Fwd completed/90Fwd %DistributionRecovery
2024 K1 Pohang1,58857.612.668.40.870.93
2025 K1 Pohang43343.010.660.70.711.06
2025 K1 Suwon FC1,41341.19.258.90.661.01
2026 K2 Suwon FC1,37951.817.076.20.941.00
Kim Bong-soo 2026 K12,50054.918.379.91.001.00

Without adjustment, FotMob metrics (which weight long passes heavily) put him at 1.00 or above in all three K1 seasons. But under the same portal definition as Kim Bong-soo, he is distribution short in both K1 seasons. With forward pass accuracy rising from 68% → 59% to 76% in K2, the 2026 figures may partly reflect the difference in league level (Estimate).

K League data portal: K League 1 2024 & 2025 player match metrics, K League 2 2026. Recovery stayed near the benchmark in K1 too.

21

Practical conditions

Can we sign him? — What is confirmed and what is not

ItemFactAssessmentStatus
Club & contractSuwon FC. Joined 2025-07 → re-signed 2026-01-07 (length undisclosed). 2026 captainNot a free transfer → transfer fee negotiationConfirmed
Transfer feeNo public information. MV €87.3k (lowest among candidates with a confirmed value)Estimated to be smallEstimate
SalaryUndisclosed — the K League does not publish individual salaries of domestic playersCheck during negotiationsUnconfirmed
FitnessKnee injury v Cheonan City 6/7 → back 8/22, 23 min off the bench sinceMedical essential · appearance-linked termsConfirmed
Military serviceMilitary service completed at Gimcheon Sangmu (2021–22)No restrictionsConfirmed
Age29 (17.03.1997), 30 in the 2027 seasonContract of 2 years (+1) or lessConfirmed
Suwon FC's positionCaptain of a promotion-chasing sideMid-season transfer difficult → winter 2027 is realisticEstimate
Career229 K League apps (as of 2026-01), 2017 U-20 World CupLow adaptation risk (but distribution Short in K1)Confirmed
22

Concern ① · Fitness

Knee injury on 7 June — back in August, but only 23 minutes played so far

90
3/1
90
3/7
90
3/14
90
3/29
90
4/4
90
4/11
90
4/18
90
4/26
90
5/3
90
5/9
90
5/17
90
5/23
69
5/30
55
Knee
Injuries
6/7
List
Other
7/4
List
Other
7/10
List
Other
7/15
List
Other
7/18
List
Other
7/25
List
Other
7/29
List
Other
8/8
List
Other
8/15
Bench
8/22
2
8/30
1
9/5
Bench
9/13
20
9/19
Minutes per match · league + cup · 2026
Confirmed facts
12 consecutive full 90s, March–May
55 min v Cheonan City, 6/7 — carried off with a knee injury
Left out of 8 league and cup squads, 7/4–8/15 (rehab)
5 matches since returning 8/22: 2 on the bench, 3 sub appearances totalling 23 min
Unconfirmed → check before signing
Injury severity · surgery — no public reports
Current fitness and timeline for return to full 90s
→ Check medical records, appearance-linked contract

Match records (matchday squads) cross-checked with the Suwon FC schedule. 7/15 Pyeongchang · 7/29 Gimcheon were cup matches.

23

Concern ② · Full list

Nothing hidden — starting with what could overturn the recommendation, plus our response

ImpactConcernsFactMeaningResponse
HighJust back from knee injuryKnee injury 6/7; since returning 8/22, 23 min off the benchMatch fitness · risk of recurrenceCheck medical records · appearance-linked contract
HighDistribution short in K1Same definition: 2024 0.87 · 2025 0.66Unclear whether K2's 0.94 will carry over to K1Start as secondary distributor alongside Kim Bong-soo → expand role
MediumForward pass accuracy76.2% < Kim Bong-soo 79.9% (59–68% in K1)Failed forward passes under pressureForward passing shared with Kim Bong-soo · Bobsin; Han Chan-hee handles circulation and switches of play
MediumNo ball-carryingSuccessful dribbles 0.07/90, touches in the opponent box 0.73/90Can't physically shake off pressureUse him in build-up dropping between the centre-backs to receive
MediumTransfer fee · Suwon FC's stanceCaptain, renewed in January (length undisclosed)Hard to sign mid-season2027 winter window · fallback Jeong Ho-yeon
LowAge29, 30 in the 2027 seasonNo asset value2-year (+1) contract
24

Role at Daejeon

Putting Han Chan-hee into the two R28 scenes

SceneWhat happened in R28Han Chan-hee's answerSupporting figures
Days without Kim Bong-soo0–20 min: Bobsin dropped into the centre-back line (X 48) to distribute in Kim Bong-soo's place (#3)Takes on distribution himself and sends Bobsin back to his natural role (vertical progression)Distribution 0.94 · attacking-third share 10.7%
Alongside Kim Bong-sooPasses 7 → 19 after Kim Bong-soo came on (limited scope)A partner who splits the distribution — weighted more towards distribution than Lee Soon-minRecovery 1.00 (Lee Soon-min 1.15)
Goal conceded, 9'One forward pass took out both players in the double pivot (#5)The second wall after a forward pass gets throughGround duels 72.7% (sample of 11)

# numbers refer to the adopted observations in the match report.

25

Appendix

Data · definitions · limits

CategoryDetails
DataK League data portal player per-match metrics — K League 2 2026 R1–R26 (208 matches), K League 1 2024–2026 R1–28 (623 matches) · FotMob players abroad, age, market value, match records (2026-09-25) · cross-checked with media
Distribution index(Passes/54.9 + successful forward passes/18.3 + forward pass accuracy/79.9) ÷ 3 — Kim Bong-soo K1 2026 = 1.00
Recovery index(Interceptions + blocks + recoveries + successful tackles)/90 ÷ 12.89
VerdictMet 1.00+ · Close 0.90–0.99 · Short below 0.90 or signing obstacle
OVRAverage of percentiles on 6 metrics among 54 K League 2 MFs with 1,200+ min. Not an absolute rating
LimitationsNo league-level adjustment · players abroad lack portal metrics, so the same definitions were recalculated from FotMob records