In the world of football, the number 6 is often a symbol of the defensive midfielder or defensive midfielder, whose important role is to control the tempo of the game, receive the ball from the back line, and distribute the ball to the attacking line to give the team an advantage in the continuous rhythm. Its meaning in Korean football is as follows:
A Korean footballer wears jersey number 6
- Pacer: The number 6 belongs to a player in the middle of the field, but not the most aggressive one. Their primary role is to control the game, receive the ball from the back, and distribute the ball forward. In Korean football, the number 6 player is often nicknamed the “brain of the team.”
- Discipline, Stability, and Sacrifice: Korean football number 6 wearers are often expected to have a calm demeanor and play with confidence. Many Korean coaches often assign the number 6 to the player who “understands the system.”
- Defensive Power: According to Korean astrology and beliefs, the number 6 is the number of “standing” (균형 / gyun-hyeong), signifying balance and stability. Therefore, it is ideal for defensive players or midfielders who bring stability to the team.
3 Korean Footballers Who Have Worn the Number 6 Shirt, Current and Former
Wearing the number 6 shirt for Korean footballers isn’t just a number; it symbolizes an important role on the pitch. Here are three famous players who have or still wear the number 6 shirt, both at the national team and club level.
1. Hwang In-beom
Hwang In-beom is one of South Korea’s most recognized defensive midfielders. He is the Korean football number 6 for the South Korean national team and currently plays for Feyenoord in the Netherlands.
Hwang In-beom, the current number 6 shirt of the Korean national team.
- Born in Daejeon, South Korea
- He plays as a central and defensive midfielder
- He wore the number 6 shirt for his national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Hwang In-beom excels at confident possession, accurate passing, and precise long balls. He links play smoothly from the back to the attack, and his high level of understanding of the game makes him often the first choice number 6 for the South Korean national team.
2. Park Yong-woo
Park Yong-woo currently plays for Al Ain FC in the United Arab Emirates. He is a physically strong player with a dynamic playing style. He often controls the tempo in midfield, winning the ball and initiating counter-attacks. He is one of the few Korean players who possesses a balanced defensive play and precise long-distance passing.
Park Yong-woo wore the number 6 shirt in the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship.
- Born in Goyang, South Korea
- Park Yong-woo plays as a defensive midfielder and also center-back
- Park Yong-woo wore the Korean football number 6 for the South Korean U-23 national team in the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship.
3. Kim Jin-gyu
Kim Jin-gyu is one of the few footballers to ever wear the number 6 shirt for the South Korean national team. He has played for several renowned clubs in the country and currently plays for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. He has a calm and composed playing style, characterized by precise positioning and intelligent passing.
Kim Jin-gyu once wore the number 6 jersey in the EAFF E-1 in 2025.
- Born in Pohang, South Korea
- He plays as a midfielder.
- He wears the number 6 shirt and plays in the EAFF E-1 Men’s Football Championship 2025.
He not only plays defensive duties but also contributes effectively to offensive play, making him a well-balanced midfielder. With his international experience, Kim Jin-gyu has become a highly regarded Korean football number 6, providing stability in the team’s midfield.
The Role of the Number 6 in Tactical Integration
The role of the Korean football number 6 is tactically crucial, especially in formations often used by the Korean national team, such as the 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. The number 6 is positioned in the center of the field between the defense and the attack, representing the focal point of the overall system.
Hwang In-beom at the 2022 World Cup
The number 6’s primary duties include:
- Controlling the tempo of the game: He determines the pace of the game, whether to attack or slow it down.
- Linking the attack and defense: Receiving the ball from the backline and distributing it to the forwards.
- Controlling the midfield: Preventing opponents from entering dangerous areas.
- Reading the game and intercepting the ball: Disrupting the opposing attack.
In Korean football, having a strong number 6 is like having the “heart of the team” in the center of the field. This player not only plays a defensive role but also creates plays that allow the team to move forward with stability and rhythm.
Conclusion
Korean football number 6s are more than just a number on a jersey. They are tempo-setters, balance-makers, and leaders who help the team play efficiently.
Whether it’s Hwang In-beom, Park Yong-woo, or Kim Jin-kyu, they embody the spirit of the number 6, imbued with responsibility, precision, and a high-level understanding of the game.
