Player Profile

An was born in Japan, but does not hold a Japanese passport and considers himself 100% Korean. His heritage is an interesting tale.

His grandparents went to Japan before Korea gained independence and his mother and father were born and raised there. He went to a school that followed the North Korean education system and says his nationality is Chosun, the Korean name for Korea before the country split in two.

He says: “My life is deeply connected to the history of the Korean peninsula.” This 6ft midfield schemer had spells at Albirex Niigata and Nagoya Grampus before controversially going to play in South Korea with Suwon Bluewings. After one season in the south, he returned to Japan and signed for Omiya Ardija.

He is a calm, composed presence in front of the defence and is tough in the tackle. He says his first experiences of playing with the North Korea team were not that pleasant and he only visits the country when he is on international duty: “At first, the atmosphere was not a welcoming one. The other players didn't know what kind of player I was and if I was good or not. Now, we have become close.”

He married his childhood sweetheart, who is a fan of Oasis and Green Day and she one day wants to attend the Reading Festival.