Rangers winger Kim Min-su has been named in South Korea’s senior squad for the first time following his rapid introduction at Ibrox.
The 20-year-old has been included in interim head coach Robert Moreno’s 30-man squad for four upcoming friendly matches against Ecuador, Uruguay, Venezuela and Uzbekistan. According to The Scottish Sun, Kim’s selection has been described as a surprise in South Korea.
Nevertheless, it's another significant step in the youngster’s career following his summer move to Rangers. Former Spain manager Moreno was placed in temporary charge of South Korea earlier this month after Hong Myung-bo left following the World Cup.
Kim is among three players receiving their first senior call-ups in Moreno’s opening squad, alongside Park Tae-joon and Kim Gun-hee. He will also join several established international stars, including Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae.
Training is scheduled to begin on September 21, before South Korea face Ecuador in Suwon three days later. Kim moved to Rangers from Girona in August after the Light Blues reportedly triggered his £8.5m release clause.
The winger had spent the previous campaign on loan at FC Andorra, where he recorded six goals and four assists across 40 appearances. He then returned to Girona and started their first two league fixtures before completing his move to Ibrox.
Despite arriving shortly before the transfer deadline, Kim has already become a regular option for McInnes. He has featured five times for Rangers and started four matches, demonstrating how quickly the manager has become willing to trust his new number 10.
Kim retained his place for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Celtic and played 74 minutes in an emphatic 3-0 victory. Dan Neil scored twice, while Kevin Kelsy opened his Rangers account as the Gers produced one of their strongest performances under McInnes.
The result secured a place in the semi-finals and continued Kim’s perfect domestic record since moving to Scotland. Although he did not register a goal or assist, the attacker contributed to a fluid Rangers frontline and once again gained valuable experience in a demanding fixture.
Starting an Old Firm derby less than three weeks after arriving was a substantially quick integration. Nevertheless, Kim should remain available for Sunday’s Premiership meeting with Celtic at Parkhead before linking up with South Korea the following day.
His first opportunity to make his senior international debut will then arrive against Ecuador on September 24. Further fixtures against Uruguay, Venezuela and Uzbekistan will provide Moreno with several chances to assess the uncapped winger.
For Rangers, the recognition is an encouraging early return on their considerable investment. Kim was recruited as a player capable of making an immediate contribution while retaining substantial potential for further development.
