North Korean Midfielder Ri Yong-jik Set to Join K League 2 Side FC Anyang

North Korean midfielder Ri Yong-jik is poised to make a move to K League 2 outfit FC Anyang for the upcoming season, transitioning from Japan where he has been plying his trade for the past ten years primarily in the J2 League. With around 24 appearances for the North Korean national team, Ri was part of the squad during the 2017 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, witnessing South Korea’s 1-0 victory. He was also present during the stark goalless draw between the North and South in 2019’s World Cup qualifier.

Ri’s switch to FC Anyang will occur via a free transfer, per reports from Korean media source Chosun Ilbo. After a single season stint with J3 side Iwate Grulla Moriok, Ri’s contract concluded, paving the way for his move to the K League 2 club pending a medical evaluation.

The 33-year-old midfielder joins a select group of North Korean footballers making waves south of the DMZ. An Byong-jun, his North Korean teammate, currently plies his trade as a forward for K League 2 team Busan IPark. Likewise, Jong Tae-se, a former player with North Korean roots, now coaches FC Wonder Woman, a team featured on the television program “Kick a Goal.”

Another figure familiar with K League 2 is An Yong-hak, who has had spells with both Busan IPark and Suwon Samsung Bluewings in addition to a career in Japan’s J.League. North Korea has its own football league, the DPR Korea Football League, but specifics about its structure and compensation are scant.

International careers for North Korean players can be complex due to restrictive measures in place. Han Kwang-song, renowned for scoring in Italy’s Serie A, had his tenure at Qatari club Al-Duhail cut short due to UN sanctions. Despite this setback, he recently returned to the pitch for North Korea in World Cup qualifiers, notching a goal in the victory over Myanmar.

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Zora Əhmədov

Zora Əhmədov, our dedicated statistician and lover of small leagues, is the analytical mind behind Asia.futbol's in-depth statistical analyses. Hailing from Azerbaijan, Zora's expertise lies in uncovering the hidden gems and untold stories within the lesser-known football leagues across Asia. With a sharp focus on numbers and an encyclopedic knowledge of the game, Zora's articles provide readers with a fresh perspective on the statistical side of Asian football.

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