Rangers star Kim Min-su sent message after South Korea squad snub
Rangers winger Kim Min-su has been left out of South Korea's squad for their November international fixtures, with Korean journalist Joel Kim describing the omission as a potential opportunity for the youngster to respond.
Interim head coach Robert Moreno named a 26-man squad on Thursday for South Korea's upcoming matches against Saudi Arabia and Qatar in Doha on November 13 and 17.
Kim, who received his first senior international call-up earlier this year, was among the players omitted after being included in Moreno's previous squad for September and October's fixtures.
The 20-year-old is one of several players to miss out, with Moreno making changes to his selection for the final international window of 2026.
Reacting to the decision, journalist Kim suggested that competition for places may have played a part, pointing to the selection of Swansea City winger Eom Ji-sung.
"To the shock of many, Kim Min-su was not called up to the KNT," he wrote on X.
"I doubt last game had to do with it since the roster would have already been sent in by then. The only explanation I could think of is that Eom Ji-sung in the CH beat out Kim, and I could accept that. Eom's been in good form and has the stats to back up his selection, let alone being the MVP of the Asian Games.
"But you would have thought Kim's positional versatility, his form with Rangers (though missing G/As) as well as his ability to communicate in Spanish would have tied him to Moreno. Alas, no."
Kim Min-su omission offers chance to respond
Despite the disappointment of missing out, Joel Kim believes the decision could prove a motivating moment for the Rangers youngster as he looks to establish himself at both club and international level.
The former Girona youngster has yet to find the net for Derek McInnes' side but his effort and composure has already made him a firm favourite of the Ibrox support despite his lack of G/A.
He suggested that Kim's immediate focus should be on improving his performances for Rangers while keeping his ambitions of representing South Korea alive.
"I still see Kim as the future of the KNT yet I think this can be a good humbling moment for the lad who comes off his worst performance for Rangers," he added.
"A reminder to keep his eyes on the ball and push himself to be even better as the final Asian Games squad selection still lies ahead.
"It also bodes well for club who will hopefully see a more motivated Kim determined to not only play better for Rangers but make it back on the national scene."
Moreno makes changes to South Korea squad
Kim is among a number of players omitted from the latest selection, with Moreno reducing his squad from 30 players during the previous international window to 26 for November.
Ji-sung is among those included, alongside several other changes as South Korea prepare for their fixtures against the Middle Eastern duo.
Moreno has stated that selection decisions are based on players' performances, fitness, club playing time and what they can contribute to the national team.
The coach has also recalled captain Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, Hwang In-beom and Hwang Hee-chan amid scrutiny surrounding reported tensions within the squad.
