Kim was all over the pitch in their final Group D match with Oman, where DPR Korea needed three points to make the last eight. He got his side off to a great start in the 10th minute when he collected a long pass, cut inside his marker and blasted his shot into the top corner.

The 4.25 Sports Club player was a constant threat to the Omani defence, and stamped his mark in the 74th minute when he flicked on a cross for Ri Kang Rim to close the match at 2-2. It was his second assist of the tournament following the first in their 3-0 win over Tajikistan.

Their two draws and one win saw DPR Korea finishing runners-up behind Tajikistan. Both teams were the last to seal their quarter-final berths and nab the final two places in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.

“We came here to be champions, and our performance in the group stage is some indication of how serious we are in lifting the trophy,” he said. 

“I’m 100% prepared, but more importantly, the squad is also 100% ready because this game is all about teamwork.”

Kim dabbled in the game at eight and upon entering primary school, was immediately scouted by his school coach. This motivated him to take football seriously.

“My first tournament with the U17 team was at the Qualifiers,” said the South Pyongyang native. “In fact, my participation there was the second highlight of my football career following my selection to the national team.”

His outing at the Qualifiers proved memorable for all the right reasons. Kim netted a brace in his first international, a 8-2 defeat of Hong Kong, China, scored one in their 4-1 win over Islamic Republic of Iran and added another in their 3-0 victory over hosts Jordan.

“I am quite a fast runner, and this is why I’m well suited for the role of striker,” he said. “My speed and physique are my strong points but I need to work on my shooting accuracy.”

Kim’s short-term aim is to see DPR Korea win the title at Saudi Arabia 2025, while his long-term plans involve making it big on the international stage. 

“I have to train harder, excel and become multi-skilled so I can represent my national team and play in the pro leagues in a football-developed country in Europe.”

Kim will be leading DPR Korea in their quarter-final clash against Indonesia on Monday.