Four years ago, Oh Hyeon Gyu stood with Korea’s national team at the World Cup, but without a jersey number of his own. Now, that painful memory has turned into one of the most emotional storylines of Korea’s 2026 World Cup.
| @thekfa/Instagram
On June 12, 2026 (KST), tvN’s You Quiz On The Block congratulated Oh Hyeon Gyu after his standout performance in Korea’s match against the Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The program wrote on its official social media, “Four years ago, Oh Hyeon Gyu promised he would play at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup wearing a number, and he did it! The hero of the comeback goal against the Czech Republic! Congratulations to Oh-seobang Oh Hyeon Gyu on his first World Cup goal!”
Oh Hyeon Gyu had previously accompanied the Korean national team to the 2022 Qatar World Cup as a training partner, not as an official member of the final roster. His diary from that time was later revealed on You Quiz On The Block, where it deeply moved viewers.
In the diary, Oh Hyeon Gyu wrote, “Today, all the players wore uniforms and took a group photo. But my uniform did not have a number on it. To be honest, I was embarrassed and upset.”
However, he also turned that disappointment into motivation.
I just have to get through today. I can prepare for the next four years and come back proudly wearing a number. Let’s do this, Hyeon Gyu. This is only the beginning.
— Oh Hyeon Gyu
Four years later, Oh Hyeon Gyu did exactly that! In Korea’s first Group A match against the Czech Republic, held at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico, Oh Hyeon Gyu scored the comeback-winning goal and helped lead Korea to a 2-1 victory.
In the 35th minute of the second half, Oh Hyeon Gyu calmly connected with a cross from Hwang In Beom on the right side and sent the ball into the Czech net. The goal marked both his World Cup debut goal and a full-circle moment from the promise he made to himself four years earlier.
Korean netizens were especially emotional after seeing his old diary resurface. Some praised his mindset and work ethic. Others cheered him on. Most were proud of the soccer star finally getting his hero moment.
- He’s so cool.
- A positive person who also works hard, that’s the best.
- Amazing…!!!! I wonder how hard he must have worked for those four years. He’s cool and amazing!!!
- Wow, he’s seriously so cool! I hope he does even better.
- Hyeon Gyu does well wherever he goes… Even now, he’s a total star at his club in Turkey. I love people who turn opportunities into their own through their own hard work. 💙🤍🖤
- Ugh. He’s so cool!!!!!!
- 👏👏👏👏👏
- Our Hyeon Gyu! We’re so proud of you 💙🤍❤️
- Hwaiting! 🇰🇷
- In Turkey, he’s called Baby Eagle. My younger sibling and I always say, “Let’s watch Baby Eagle’s match,” and wake up at dawn, but now let’s go all the way to Giant Eagle 💙🤍❤️
From a player without a number in 2022 to the scorer of Korea’s comeback-winning goal in 2026, Oh Hyeon Gyu’s journey has become the kind of sports story fans cannot help but root for!
Watch his interview here: