South Korea’s “Monster” comes home as Min-Jae Kim declares himself satisfied with Bayern role
South Korean footballer Min-Jae Kim is receiving significant attention during Bayern Munich's preseason tour in his home country. Despite facing increased competition for a starting spot in the team, Kim remains committed to his role at the club.
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Min-Jae Kim (known to most English-speaking audiences as Kim Min-jae , as German outlets reverse the traditional Korean name order) appeared alongside head coach Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich's first press conference of their South Korea n preseason stay, receiving the sort of attention normally reserved for the German champions' most prominent attacking stars.
On Jeju, there was never much doubt which member of Bayern's travelling party would command centre stage. One South Korean newspaper announced the squad's arrival by declaring that "The Monster has landed"—a reference to the nickname Kim earned through his speed, physicality, and aggressive defending.
Bayern are touring South Korea for the second time in three summers, and the soon-to-be 30-year-old has once again become the club's principal local attraction. Kim received a similarly enthusiastic welcome when the German record champions visited his homeland in 2024.
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