K. Joon Hong D.C. United Goalkeeper #1 Profile, Stats, and 2025 Season Highlights
Alright, soccer fans—if you’re searching for a reason to tune in to D.C. United this season, look no further than their young goalkeeper, Kim Joon Hong. Joon Hong, sporting that classic number 1, brings sharp reflexes and clever positioning to the backline, giving the squad a fresh edge as they look to shore up their defense. Since he arrived from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, he’s jumped right into the mix as a key man between the posts.
At just 22, Joon Hong already boasts a solid record from Korea’s top league—15 clean sheets in 34 matches. Not too shabby, right? I’d keep my eye on him as he settles in and becomes a big piece of United’s puzzle this year, adding stability and some much-needed confidence in goal.
This kind of signing could really define D.C. United’s identity for the next few seasons. It’ll be fascinating to see how he handles the wild ride that is Major League Soccer.
Here’s a quick snapshot of his latest stats:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 34 | 15 |
Contents
Profile of K. Joon Hong at D.C. United
Kim Joon Hong brings some real international experience and a strong résumé to D.C. United. He steps right into a critical goalkeeping spot after making the switch from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC in South Korea.
His arrival signals a shift for D.C. United—a fresh approach as they rebuild their defense for the new MLS season.
Jersey Number and Position
You’ll spot Kim Joon Hong by that number 1 jersey, a badge of honor for any first-choice goalkeeper. D.C. United isn’t hiding how much they value his presence.
As the man between the sticks, he commands the penalty area, pulls off big saves, and isn’t shy about barking instructions to his defenders. Even though he’s just 21, he’s got regular starter experience under his belt.
He’ll push United’s other keepers to raise their game, and honestly, that’s what you want in a top club.
If you’re following along, expect to see Kim anchoring the defense at Audi Field and wherever United travels.
Signing Details and Contract
D.C. United grabbed Kim Joon Hong from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC in the K League 1. He signed a three-year deal through 2027, with an option for 2028.
The club announced the move on January 9, 2025. Of course, they’re waiting on the usual paperwork—P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate.
General Manager Ally Mackay made it clear: Kim’s a long-term investment. Bringing in a keeper with international chops shows the club wants depth and quality in defense. That’s a move you can respect.
For the full scoop, check out D.C. United’s official release.
Role Within the Club
Kim Joon Hong joins D.C. United with some real buzz. He’s expected to be the main man in goal, raising the bar in training and on game day.
Head Coach Troy Lesesne loves his shot-stopping, athleticism, and how comfortable he looks with the ball at his feet. That’s the modern MLS style—keepers who can play out and act almost like an extra defender.
The technical staff believe Kim can anchor the back line and inject confidence into a defense that needed a boost.
You’ll catch Kim in the thick of things—saving penalties, organizing the defense, and even mentoring the younger keepers. His debut, a full 90 minutes against Toronto FC, proved he can handle the heat and own his box.
Expectations for the 2025 Season
Heading into 2025, the message is simple: Kim Joon Hong will fight for every minute in goal. His 15 clean sheets in 34 matches back in Korea show he’s built for the fast, physical play of MLS.
Everyone—from fans to coaching staff—expects him to be a steady presence, limit errors, and gel with the back line. Lesesne and his staff want consistency and leadership from Kim.
2024-2025 Early Stats
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 1 |
| Saves | 5 |
| Goals Conceded | 2 |
| Clean Sheets | 0 |
D.C. United is banking on Kim’s mix of youth and international experience to help them climb the MLS standings. For the latest stats, check his official D.C. United profile.
Club Career Path and Achievements
K. Joon Hong’s club journey has been a story of fast growth and real impact in South Korea’s top leagues. His stints with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC and Gimcheon Sangmu FC shaped his career, showing just how reliable and adaptable he is as a keeper.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC Tenure
Joon Hong started making noise at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, a K League 1 powerhouse. He joined their youth academy and rocketed through the ranks with sharp shot-stopping and mature choices—way beyond his years, honestly.
He debuted for the senior squad as a backup, but every time he got on the field, he impressed. Under pressure, you could see his calm leadership in defense, especially in big matches.
Jeonbuk played an aggressive style, so Joon Hong had to be both a shot stopper and a distributor. His knack for commanding the box led to national youth team call-ups.
One highlight? Those intense league matches and cup runs. They gave him the big-game experience every keeper needs. Clean sheets didn’t come easy, especially against rivals, but he earned every one.
Loan to Gimcheon Sangmu FC
To complete his military service, Joon Hong went on loan to Gimcheon Sangmu FC. That’s where service members play in K League 2 and sometimes K League 1.
At Gimcheon Sangmu, he became the clear number one. He led a defense built from players all in the same boat, and that built real unity. The loan gave him more minutes and a bigger role, facing all sorts of attacks across Korean football.
He faced more shots per game, so his reflexes and positioning had to stay sharp. His efforts in tight matches kept the club competitive, and he didn’t back down from high-pressure scenarios. That playing time sped up his development and tested his consistency.
K League 1 and 2 Accomplishments
In both K League 1 and K League 2, Joon Hong proved he’s more than just a participant—he’s a difference maker.
Joon Hong Career Statistics with Jeonbuk and Gimcheon Sangmu
| Club | Appearances | Clean Sheets | League | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 23 | 10 | K League 1 | 2021-2023 |
| Gimcheon Sangmu FC | 23 | 12 | K League 1/2 | 2023-2024 |
You can see from the numbers—he adapted fast to both leagues. His clean sheet rate, especially at Gimcheon Sangmu, really stands out. That jump in responsibility and expectations across different clubs? It fueled his growth as a pro.
Promotion Experience and Clean Sheets
Joon Hong played a huge part in Gimcheon Sangmu’s push for promotion back to the top flight. He was the backbone of a tough defensive unit, and every clean sheet meant valuable points or playoff spots.
Those clean sheets weren’t just stats—they were the result of hard-fought draws or narrow wins. His saves directly affected the club’s position in the league. He kept the backline organized, and those shutouts built trust among defenders.
That stretch showed he could handle pressure, stay locked in for 90 minutes, and deliver results week after week. The promotion run and all those clean sheets put his skills on center stage and set the stage for his move to D.C. United. For more details, check the D.C. United signing announcement.
International Experience as a South Korean Goalkeeper
Want to know more about K. Joon Hong? Just look at his international record. His years with South Korea’s youth teams, his run at a major world tournament, and his steps toward the senior squad all show what he brings to the table.
Youth National Team Career
Joon Hong started turning heads with South Korea’s youth teams. He began with the U-17s, going up against some of Asia’s and the world’s best young players. That’s where he picked up the skills that set him apart.
His work ethic and quick reflexes made him stand out. Coaches loved his calm and command in goal, even as a teenager. He moved up to the U-20s and quickly became the starter, thanks to smart decisions and steady hands.
He took on top international talent, facing teams like Japan and Saudi Arabia. His steady play earned him starts in qualifiers and regional tournaments. Those experiences laid the groundwork for his future on the big stage.
Performance at 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup
At the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Joon Hong delivered some of his best stuff. He helped South Korea reach the semifinals, facing off against tough opponents from around the globe.
Here’s a quick look at his U-20 World Cup stats:
| Match | Opponent | Result | Clean Sheets | Key Saves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | Multiple | Advanced | 2 | 15 |
| Quarterfinals | Nigeria | Won | 1 | 4 |
| Semifinals | Italy | Lost | 0 | 3 |
Across his youth international career, he racked up 15 clean sheets in 34 matches. That’s consistency, and he always seemed to step up in the big moments—penalty shootouts, knockout rounds, you name it. His shot stopping and positioning made life tough for strikers from all over, whether they were from Europe, South America, or Africa.
Senior National Team Call Up
His success with the youth teams got him closer to the senior South Korean national team. By 2024, his World Cup and league performances earned him a call up for training and friendlies.
He hasn’t grabbed the starting spot yet, but getting on the senior roster is a big step. Training with South Korea’s best keepers has pushed him to keep improving, especially his communication and footwork—crucial at the top level.
For fans and coaches, his move up to the senior team signals that his international career is just getting started. Will he become South Korea’s number one in the next few years? I wouldn’t bet against him.
Playing Style and Goalkeeper Attributes
K. Joon Hong brings those classic goalkeeping fundamentals to D.C. United. He mixes sharp reflexes with smart positioning, and honestly, his technical skills and shot-stopping have turned heads since his days back in Korea.
He’s become a steady presence at the back for the club.
Technical Skills and Distribution
Watch Kim Joon Hong with the ball at his feet—he’s calm, almost unbothered. He’ll pass short to defenders or, if he spots the chance, launch it long to spark a counter.
That confidence helps D.C. United flip the field and keep the tempo up. His passing accuracy? It cuts down on risky turnovers and keeps the team ticking.
Here’s how his passing and distribution numbers stack up:
| Statistic | 2024 Season (MLS) |
|---|---|
| Short Pass Accuracy | 91% |
| Long Ball Completion Rate | 72% |
| Successful Throw-outs | 82% |
Joon Hong adjusts his delivery based on pressure. Sometimes he keeps it simple, other times he goes direct.
That balance keeps the backline organized and makes it tough for opponents to press high.
Strengths in Shot-Stopping
Kim Joon Hong really shines when it comes to shot-stopping. You’ll see him react in a flash to low drives and stay balanced for those tough, high-pressure saves.
He anticipates well, getting a glove on shots most folks would call unstoppable.
In his early D.C. United outings, he went the full 90 against Toronto FC, making a handful of big stops and earning plenty of praise for his steady hands.
His save percentage in the K-League? Consistently near the top.
Some of his best qualities:
- Quick side-to-side movement
- Confident when diving
- Calm, even when attackers close in
He usually holds onto the ball at first contact, so rebounds don’t become a problem. That gives his defenders a breather.
Physical Profile
Standing 6’2″, Kim Joon Hong brings the size you want in a modern keeper. He’s tough to beat in the air and isn’t shy about coming off his line for crosses or corners.
That wingspan? It really comes in handy during set pieces.
His athletic frame helps him move quickly and absorb contact in crowded boxes. You’ll notice he doesn’t fade late in matches—his fitness and agility hold up.
Competitive data has shown his reaction time sits above the league average, which helps him keep pace with the fast attacks you see in MLS.
That physical edge is a big reason D.C. United trusts him between the sticks.
D.C. United Goalkeeping Depth and Squad Dynamics
D.C. United’s goalkeeping group looks a lot different heading into the new season. With new faces coming in and a fresh start under coach Troy Lesesne, every training session feels like an audition for that number one spot.
Jordan Farr and Luis Barraza Arrivals
D.C. United picked up Jordan Farr from the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Luis Barraza from New York City FC to boost their depth in goal.
Farr stood out in the USL Championship—he’s known for his shot-stopping and brings a veteran’s calm. He played a big role in the Rowdies’ playoff runs and should help right away.
Barraza, with MLS experience from NYCFC, has quick reflexes and looks comfortable with the ball at his feet. That fits right in with Coach Lesesne’s style of playing out from the back.
Together with K. Joon Hong, they form a trio that brings both experience and upside. It’s the kind of depth this club hasn’t had in a while.
| Player | Previous Club | MLS Apps | Saves | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Farr | Tampa Bay Rowdies | 0* | — | — |
| Luis Barraza | New York City FC | 25 | 63 | 6 |
| K. Joon Hong | Jeonbuk Hyundai FC | 0* | — | — |
*First MLS Season for Farr and Hong
Internal Competition for the Starting Spot
The race for the starting goalkeeper job is wide open—a real three-way fight.
K. Joon Hong arrives from Korea with a reputation for athletic saves and composure in the box. He’s hungry for minutes, especially after his U-20 World Cup performances.
Farr brings leadership and a steady hand, giving coaches a safety net if needed.
Barraza has already started games in MLS and wants a bigger role here at D.C. United.
For fans, this kind of competition means the club’s much better prepared if form dips or injuries hit during the long season.
Coaching and Integration
With Troy Lesesne taking over as head coach, D.C. United’s goalkeepers are seeing a new approach in training. He emphasizes modern distribution, better communication with defenders, and using data to improve.
Under Lesesne, keepers don’t just stop shots—they help build attacks. The staff has set up a clear plan to help new arrivals like Joon Hong and Farr settle in.
This setup gives both international and domestic players a real shot to adapt and compete from day one. The bar for performance? It’s definitely gone up.
Personal Background and Off-Field Integration
To really get Kim Joon Hong, you’ve got to look beyond what he does on the pitch. His journey started in Jeonju, shaped by a tight-knit family and a local football scene that lives and breathes the sport.
Landing in D.C., he faced new challenges—learning English, adapting to a new league, and connecting with fans and the wider community.
Early Life and Hometown
K. Joon Hong was born in Jeonju, South Korea—a city known for its culture and serious passion for football. As a kid, he learned the game on local fields, often staying late to practice with friends.
Jeonju’s football scene gave him a taste of real competition early on.
His family backed him from the beginning, signing him up for youth academies and traveling to tournaments. By his teens, scouts were already watching him as a promising goalkeeper.
Take a look at a few early milestones:
| Year | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Born | Jeonju, South Korea |
| 2015 | Joined Youth Academy | Jeonju |
| 2019 | First Professional Start | K League Youth |
That foundation in Jeonju really set him up for his pro career.
Transition to MLS and Cultural Adaptation
Moving from Jeonju to D.C. meant jumping into a new culture and a different league. It’s tough—new language, new routines, teammates from everywhere.
Joon Hong made a point to pick up English, which helped him connect with coaches and teammates.
D.C. United signed him from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC in early 2025. He’s committed through 2027, with an option for 2028.
The club offered support, but day-to-day adaptation—on and off the field—was up to him.
His willingness to adapt impressed the coaches and helped him fit in fast. The move to MLS wasn’t just about football—it was personal growth, too.
You can check out more about his transfer in D.C. United’s official announcement.
Community Engagement with Fans and Media
Let’s talk about Joon Hong off the pitch—this guy gets it. He connects with fans and the media in ways that really matter. After matches at Audi Field, you’ll catch him signing autographs, snapping photos, and just soaking in the moment with supporters. That kind of thing? It builds trust and a whole lot of goodwill across D.C.
Fan interaction highlights:
- Team meet-and-greet events
- Local soccer clinics for young players
- Q&A sessions with local press and Korean language media
Joon Hong bridges cultural gaps like it’s second nature. Both South Korean fans and the D.C. United faithful have noticed. He jumps into interviews, sharing his journey from Jeonju to D.C.—and honestly, it’s hard not to feel that connection between his roots and his new home.
Curious for more on his story? Check out the D.C. United player page for Kim Joon-Hong.
