Tae Tak
@taegukscout.bsky.social
🇰🇷🇺🇸
PFSA/FA Certified
Football scout, consultant, writer, freelance creative
Scout for 360 Scouting
Previously: YouthScout1ng & Eyeball (Scandinavia)
Korean Football ⚽
https://x.com/taegukscout
http://substack.com/@taegukscout
#KNT #KLeague
PFSA/FA Certified
Football scout, consultant, writer, freelance creative
Scout for 360 Scouting
Previously: YouthScout1ng & Eyeball (Scandinavia)
Korean Football ⚽
https://x.com/taegukscout
http://substack.com/@taegukscout
#KNT #KLeague
Pinned
Tae Tak
@taegukscout.bsky.social
· Nov 21
I appreciate all of the follows so far. Just to introduce myself, I'm a Korean-American football scout. Most of my focus is on Korean football: #KLeague, 🇰🇷 prospects, etc.
Here's a recent example of my work:
Incheon United's Kim Gun-hee
Here's a recent example of my work:
Incheon United's Kim Gun-hee
🆕 5 Lessons I've Learned in my First Full Year as a Professional Football Scout
What's inside:
• What makes the best collaborations
• No, I am not Rodri
• Managing environments
Full story below 👇
What's inside:
• What makes the best collaborations
• No, I am not Rodri
• Managing environments
Full story below 👇
December 11, 2025 at 1:06 PM
🆕 5 Lessons I've Learned in my First Full Year as a Professional Football Scout
What's inside:
• What makes the best collaborations
• No, I am not Rodri
• Managing environments
Full story below 👇
What's inside:
• What makes the best collaborations
• No, I am not Rodri
• Managing environments
Full story below 👇
I grew up reading @johnduerden.bsky.social's articles in Asian football, so for him to recommend my Substack newsletter is an absolute honor. Thank you John.
Make sure to follow his work as well!
Make sure to follow his work as well!
December 10, 2025 at 2:39 PM
I grew up reading @johnduerden.bsky.social's articles in Asian football, so for him to recommend my Substack newsletter is an absolute honor. Thank you John.
Make sure to follow his work as well!
Make sure to follow his work as well!
Physicality + technique can go a long way.
Just ask Hwang Hee-chan. Early on he was raw: erratic decisions, inconsistent passing, frustrating to watch at times.
But his strength & ball striking were always a threat.
Things started to click once the game slowed down for him.
Just ask Hwang Hee-chan. Early on he was raw: erratic decisions, inconsistent passing, frustrating to watch at times.
But his strength & ball striking were always a threat.
Things started to click once the game slowed down for him.
December 10, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Physicality + technique can go a long way.
Just ask Hwang Hee-chan. Early on he was raw: erratic decisions, inconsistent passing, frustrating to watch at times.
But his strength & ball striking were always a threat.
Things started to click once the game slowed down for him.
Just ask Hwang Hee-chan. Early on he was raw: erratic decisions, inconsistent passing, frustrating to watch at times.
But his strength & ball striking were always a threat.
Things started to click once the game slowed down for him.
Confidence & trust shape careers.
Look at Hong Hyun-seok, one of the most reliable playmakers in Belgium a few years ago.
800 league minutes in the past 2 years. He lacks confidence right now, and he's always been a bit of a confidence player. The poor guy badly needs a loan.
Look at Hong Hyun-seok, one of the most reliable playmakers in Belgium a few years ago.
800 league minutes in the past 2 years. He lacks confidence right now, and he's always been a bit of a confidence player. The poor guy badly needs a loan.
December 9, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Confidence & trust shape careers.
Look at Hong Hyun-seok, one of the most reliable playmakers in Belgium a few years ago.
800 league minutes in the past 2 years. He lacks confidence right now, and he's always been a bit of a confidence player. The poor guy badly needs a loan.
Look at Hong Hyun-seok, one of the most reliable playmakers in Belgium a few years ago.
800 league minutes in the past 2 years. He lacks confidence right now, and he's always been a bit of a confidence player. The poor guy badly needs a loan.
With Bucheon beating Suwon FC in the playoff, next year's K League 1 is set:
Jeonbuk
Daejeon
Gimcheon
Pohang
Gangwon
FC Seoul
Gwangju
FC Anyang
Ulsan
Jeju
⬆️ Bucheon
⬆️ Incheon
Jeonbuk
Daejeon
Gimcheon
Pohang
Gangwon
FC Seoul
Gwangju
FC Anyang
Ulsan
Jeju
⬆️ Bucheon
⬆️ Incheon
December 8, 2025 at 2:31 PM
With Bucheon beating Suwon FC in the playoff, next year's K League 1 is set:
Jeonbuk
Daejeon
Gimcheon
Pohang
Gangwon
FC Seoul
Gwangju
FC Anyang
Ulsan
Jeju
⬆️ Bucheon
⬆️ Incheon
Jeonbuk
Daejeon
Gimcheon
Pohang
Gangwon
FC Seoul
Gwangju
FC Anyang
Ulsan
Jeju
⬆️ Bucheon
⬆️ Incheon
What an embarrassment for the K League that Gus Poyet is leaving Jeonbuk after a title win bc of a referee's fragile ego & the league's inability to admit their wrongs.
Hopefully this is the catalyst for change because the league needs it after this year.
Horrible PR.
Hopefully this is the catalyst for change because the league needs it after this year.
Horrible PR.
December 5, 2025 at 4:17 PM
What an embarrassment for the K League that Gus Poyet is leaving Jeonbuk after a title win bc of a referee's fragile ego & the league's inability to admit their wrongs.
Hopefully this is the catalyst for change because the league needs it after this year.
Horrible PR.
Hopefully this is the catalyst for change because the league needs it after this year.
Horrible PR.
🆕 South Korea’s Best Pure Finisher (Not Named Son Heung-min)
I broke down 🇰🇷’s top U25 goalscorers across Europe & Asia with a new 7-metric PFI model.
What’s inside:
• Son’s elite finishing profile
• Oh Hyeon-gyu & Lee Kang-in's big numbers
• Kim Min-su + others 👀
Link 👇
I broke down 🇰🇷’s top U25 goalscorers across Europe & Asia with a new 7-metric PFI model.
What’s inside:
• Son’s elite finishing profile
• Oh Hyeon-gyu & Lee Kang-in's big numbers
• Kim Min-su + others 👀
Link 👇
December 4, 2025 at 12:11 PM
🆕 South Korea’s Best Pure Finisher (Not Named Son Heung-min)
I broke down 🇰🇷’s top U25 goalscorers across Europe & Asia with a new 7-metric PFI model.
What’s inside:
• Son’s elite finishing profile
• Oh Hyeon-gyu & Lee Kang-in's big numbers
• Kim Min-su + others 👀
Link 👇
I broke down 🇰🇷’s top U25 goalscorers across Europe & Asia with a new 7-metric PFI model.
What’s inside:
• Son’s elite finishing profile
• Oh Hyeon-gyu & Lee Kang-in's big numbers
• Kim Min-su + others 👀
Link 👇
K League Season 🔚
• Sad to see Daegu relegated despite Cesinha's 24 league G/A
• Ulsan escapes relegation playoffs
• Sabbag crowned top scorer (17)
• Cesinha + Lee Dong-gyeong most assists (12)
• Incheon United ⬆️
If you missed it, here's my end of season piece below 👇
• Sad to see Daegu relegated despite Cesinha's 24 league G/A
• Ulsan escapes relegation playoffs
• Sabbag crowned top scorer (17)
• Cesinha + Lee Dong-gyeong most assists (12)
• Incheon United ⬆️
If you missed it, here's my end of season piece below 👇
2025 #KLeague 1 Season Review + Award Picks
With the end of the season looming, my new Substack post covers:
• How Gus Poyet led Jeonbuk back to the top🏆
• Cesinha doing Cesinha things (as always)
• My Best XI + award selections
Link 👇
With the end of the season looming, my new Substack post covers:
• How Gus Poyet led Jeonbuk back to the top🏆
• Cesinha doing Cesinha things (as always)
• My Best XI + award selections
Link 👇
November 30, 2025 at 3:20 PM
K League Season 🔚
• Sad to see Daegu relegated despite Cesinha's 24 league G/A
• Ulsan escapes relegation playoffs
• Sabbag crowned top scorer (17)
• Cesinha + Lee Dong-gyeong most assists (12)
• Incheon United ⬆️
If you missed it, here's my end of season piece below 👇
• Sad to see Daegu relegated despite Cesinha's 24 league G/A
• Ulsan escapes relegation playoffs
• Sabbag crowned top scorer (17)
• Cesinha + Lee Dong-gyeong most assists (12)
• Incheon United ⬆️
If you missed it, here's my end of season piece below 👇
Jo Jin-ho vs Trabzonspor
50/53 accurate passes (see map below)
94% passing
2/3 successful dribbles
3/4 long balls
4 tackles
8 recoveries
7/13 ground duels won
Elite performance in Konyaspor's 3-1 away loss. Very underrated player.
50/53 accurate passes (see map below)
94% passing
2/3 successful dribbles
3/4 long balls
4 tackles
8 recoveries
7/13 ground duels won
Elite performance in Konyaspor's 3-1 away loss. Very underrated player.
November 29, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Jo Jin-ho vs Trabzonspor
50/53 accurate passes (see map below)
94% passing
2/3 successful dribbles
3/4 long balls
4 tackles
8 recoveries
7/13 ground duels won
Elite performance in Konyaspor's 3-1 away loss. Very underrated player.
50/53 accurate passes (see map below)
94% passing
2/3 successful dribbles
3/4 long balls
4 tackles
8 recoveries
7/13 ground duels won
Elite performance in Konyaspor's 3-1 away loss. Very underrated player.
2025 #KLeague 1 Season Review + Award Picks
With the end of the season looming, my new Substack post covers:
• How Gus Poyet led Jeonbuk back to the top🏆
• Cesinha doing Cesinha things (as always)
• My Best XI + award selections
Link 👇
With the end of the season looming, my new Substack post covers:
• How Gus Poyet led Jeonbuk back to the top🏆
• Cesinha doing Cesinha things (as always)
• My Best XI + award selections
Link 👇
November 27, 2025 at 12:12 PM
2025 #KLeague 1 Season Review + Award Picks
With the end of the season looming, my new Substack post covers:
• How Gus Poyet led Jeonbuk back to the top🏆
• Cesinha doing Cesinha things (as always)
• My Best XI + award selections
Link 👇
With the end of the season looming, my new Substack post covers:
• How Gus Poyet led Jeonbuk back to the top🏆
• Cesinha doing Cesinha things (as always)
• My Best XI + award selections
Link 👇
Kim Min-su scored a goal vs Castellon yesterday, continuing to play like one of FC Andorra's top players at 19.
🥇Leads the team in:
Goals (4)
Assists (3)
Succ. dribbles per 90 (2.25)
There's a reason I've been raving about him since last year. Great to see him make the most of his chances.
🥇Leads the team in:
Goals (4)
Assists (3)
Succ. dribbles per 90 (2.25)
There's a reason I've been raving about him since last year. Great to see him make the most of his chances.
November 23, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Kim Min-su scored a goal vs Castellon yesterday, continuing to play like one of FC Andorra's top players at 19.
🥇Leads the team in:
Goals (4)
Assists (3)
Succ. dribbles per 90 (2.25)
There's a reason I've been raving about him since last year. Great to see him make the most of his chances.
🥇Leads the team in:
Goals (4)
Assists (3)
Succ. dribbles per 90 (2.25)
There's a reason I've been raving about him since last year. Great to see him make the most of his chances.
🆕 A Need for Servers, not "Self-Servers" in Korean Football
Korean football's biggest issue isn't talent. It's selfishness & short-term vision.
A results-driven culture has bred:
• Pragmatist coaches
• Shortsighted decisions
• Inefficient recruitment
Link 👇
Korean football's biggest issue isn't talent. It's selfishness & short-term vision.
A results-driven culture has bred:
• Pragmatist coaches
• Shortsighted decisions
• Inefficient recruitment
Link 👇
November 20, 2025 at 12:31 PM
🆕 A Need for Servers, not "Self-Servers" in Korean Football
Korean football's biggest issue isn't talent. It's selfishness & short-term vision.
A results-driven culture has bred:
• Pragmatist coaches
• Shortsighted decisions
• Inefficient recruitment
Link 👇
Korean football's biggest issue isn't talent. It's selfishness & short-term vision.
A results-driven culture has bred:
• Pragmatist coaches
• Shortsighted decisions
• Inefficient recruitment
Link 👇
Reposted by Tae Tak
I gave your Substack a shout-out on today's episode when I discussed the 3 intl games this week!
November 14, 2025 at 1:49 AM
I gave your Substack a shout-out on today's episode when I discussed the 3 intl games this week!
🇰🇷 🍂 KNT November International Preview: Bolivia & Ghana
Another Thursday, another Substack post.
Starting tomorrow night, South Korea plays Bolivia & Ghana. I preview the matchups + opposition analysis:
🇧🇴 Korea must stop Miguelito
🇬🇭 Set pieces could be key
Link 👇
Another Thursday, another Substack post.
Starting tomorrow night, South Korea plays Bolivia & Ghana. I preview the matchups + opposition analysis:
🇧🇴 Korea must stop Miguelito
🇬🇭 Set pieces could be key
Link 👇
November 13, 2025 at 12:34 PM
🇰🇷 🍂 KNT November International Preview: Bolivia & Ghana
Another Thursday, another Substack post.
Starting tomorrow night, South Korea plays Bolivia & Ghana. I preview the matchups + opposition analysis:
🇧🇴 Korea must stop Miguelito
🇬🇭 Set pieces could be key
Link 👇
Another Thursday, another Substack post.
Starting tomorrow night, South Korea plays Bolivia & Ghana. I preview the matchups + opposition analysis:
🇧🇴 Korea must stop Miguelito
🇬🇭 Set pieces could be key
Link 👇
U17 World Cup
🇰🇷 South Korea 3-1 Ivory Coast 🇨🇮
Strong end to the group stage for Baek Gi-tae's boys, who finish 2nd in Group F with 7 points. Kim Ji-sung scored a worldie & the subs were impactful.
My MOTM: Kim Ji-sung
#U17WC
🇰🇷 South Korea 3-1 Ivory Coast 🇨🇮
Strong end to the group stage for Baek Gi-tae's boys, who finish 2nd in Group F with 7 points. Kim Ji-sung scored a worldie & the subs were impactful.
My MOTM: Kim Ji-sung
#U17WC
November 10, 2025 at 2:59 PM
U17 World Cup
🇰🇷 South Korea 3-1 Ivory Coast 🇨🇮
Strong end to the group stage for Baek Gi-tae's boys, who finish 2nd in Group F with 7 points. Kim Ji-sung scored a worldie & the subs were impactful.
My MOTM: Kim Ji-sung
#U17WC
🇰🇷 South Korea 3-1 Ivory Coast 🇨🇮
Strong end to the group stage for Baek Gi-tae's boys, who finish 2nd in Group F with 7 points. Kim Ji-sung scored a worldie & the subs were impactful.
My MOTM: Kim Ji-sung
#U17WC
📩 Mailbag #1.1: "How Korea's youth football system differs from Japan's (and more)"
Continuing our look into 🇰🇷's youth development:
💬 Chat with @rbyryo.bsky.social on 🇯🇵
⚽ On Hong Myung-bo & the potential MLS pathway
Read below 👇
Continuing our look into 🇰🇷's youth development:
💬 Chat with @rbyryo.bsky.social on 🇯🇵
⚽ On Hong Myung-bo & the potential MLS pathway
Read below 👇
November 6, 2025 at 12:14 PM
📩 Mailbag #1.1: "How Korea's youth football system differs from Japan's (and more)"
Continuing our look into 🇰🇷's youth development:
💬 Chat with @rbyryo.bsky.social on 🇯🇵
⚽ On Hong Myung-bo & the potential MLS pathway
Read below 👇
Continuing our look into 🇰🇷's youth development:
💬 Chat with @rbyryo.bsky.social on 🇯🇵
⚽ On Hong Myung-bo & the potential MLS pathway
Read below 👇
📩 Mailbag #1: "How does the South Korean youth football system work?"
In my newest Substack post, I explore:
• Grassroots development
• The school & academy pipeline
• Reliance on tournaments
• and more . . .
Link below 👇
In my newest Substack post, I explore:
• Grassroots development
• The school & academy pipeline
• Reliance on tournaments
• and more . . .
Link below 👇
October 30, 2025 at 12:18 PM
📩 Mailbag #1: "How does the South Korean youth football system work?"
In my newest Substack post, I explore:
• Grassroots development
• The school & academy pipeline
• Reliance on tournaments
• and more . . .
Link below 👇
In my newest Substack post, I explore:
• Grassroots development
• The school & academy pipeline
• Reliance on tournaments
• and more . . .
Link below 👇
❓Ask Me Anything
I've been writing on Substack for almost three weeks now. Would love to know what you've been curious about in Korean football lately.
Feel free to drop your questions or topics below or DM me.
I'll answer some in this week’s post 👇
I've been writing on Substack for almost three weeks now. Would love to know what you've been curious about in Korean football lately.
Feel free to drop your questions or topics below or DM me.
I'll answer some in this week’s post 👇
October 26, 2025 at 2:04 PM
❓Ask Me Anything
I've been writing on Substack for almost three weeks now. Would love to know what you've been curious about in Korean football lately.
Feel free to drop your questions or topics below or DM me.
I'll answer some in this week’s post 👇
I've been writing on Substack for almost three weeks now. Would love to know what you've been curious about in Korean football lately.
Feel free to drop your questions or topics below or DM me.
I'll answer some in this week’s post 👇
It's Thursday, and that means my new Substack piece is up.
In this one, I talk about:
• Why it's crucial that the 🇰🇷 KNT maximizes Lee Kang-in's talents
• What tactical challenges Korea may face in the future as a result
• How the NT can answer some of these questions
👇
In this one, I talk about:
• Why it's crucial that the 🇰🇷 KNT maximizes Lee Kang-in's talents
• What tactical challenges Korea may face in the future as a result
• How the NT can answer some of these questions
👇
October 23, 2025 at 12:06 PM
It's Thursday, and that means my new Substack piece is up.
In this one, I talk about:
• Why it's crucial that the 🇰🇷 KNT maximizes Lee Kang-in's talents
• What tactical challenges Korea may face in the future as a result
• How the NT can answer some of these questions
👇
In this one, I talk about:
• Why it's crucial that the 🇰🇷 KNT maximizes Lee Kang-in's talents
• What tactical challenges Korea may face in the future as a result
• How the NT can answer some of these questions
👇
Been saying that Bae Jun-ho isn't a natural goalscoring LW & the Kuwait match showed why. Solid playmaking, but inconsistent finishing.
Right now, he’s best as a half-space AM/CM: excellent at carrying the ball, making smart decisions, & linking play in the final third.
Right now, he’s best as a half-space AM/CM: excellent at carrying the ball, making smart decisions, & linking play in the final third.
June 11, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Been saying that Bae Jun-ho isn't a natural goalscoring LW & the Kuwait match showed why. Solid playmaking, but inconsistent finishing.
Right now, he’s best as a half-space AM/CM: excellent at carrying the ball, making smart decisions, & linking play in the final third.
Right now, he’s best as a half-space AM/CM: excellent at carrying the ball, making smart decisions, & linking play in the final third.
Solid showing, albeit against an outmatched Kuwaiti side.
Kim Ju-sung & Lee Han-beom offered a glimpse of 🇰🇷's young CB depth: 146/149 passing (9/11 long balls) combined.
Oh Hyeon-gyu, Lee Kang-in, Bae Jun-ho & Jeon Jin-woo: 3 goals and 2 assists as the starting front four.
#KNT
Kim Ju-sung & Lee Han-beom offered a glimpse of 🇰🇷's young CB depth: 146/149 passing (9/11 long balls) combined.
Oh Hyeon-gyu, Lee Kang-in, Bae Jun-ho & Jeon Jin-woo: 3 goals and 2 assists as the starting front four.
#KNT
June 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Solid showing, albeit against an outmatched Kuwaiti side.
Kim Ju-sung & Lee Han-beom offered a glimpse of 🇰🇷's young CB depth: 146/149 passing (9/11 long balls) combined.
Oh Hyeon-gyu, Lee Kang-in, Bae Jun-ho & Jeon Jin-woo: 3 goals and 2 assists as the starting front four.
#KNT
Kim Ju-sung & Lee Han-beom offered a glimpse of 🇰🇷's young CB depth: 146/149 passing (9/11 long balls) combined.
Oh Hyeon-gyu, Lee Kang-in, Bae Jun-ho & Jeon Jin-woo: 3 goals and 2 assists as the starting front four.
#KNT
🔎 One to Watch: Suwon Samsung's Ko Jong-hyun
Scouting Profile ⬇️
Scouting Profile ⬇️
June 8, 2025 at 3:01 PM
🔎 One to Watch: Suwon Samsung's Ko Jong-hyun
Scouting Profile ⬇️
Scouting Profile ⬇️
Son Heung-min could be made available after Ange's sacking.
A short-term Bundesliga return would be a full-circle moment, but unsure of his interest given his past comments on racism in 🇩🇪.
He may be slowing down, but there’s still gas in the tank. One last dance in Europe?
A short-term Bundesliga return would be a full-circle moment, but unsure of his interest given his past comments on racism in 🇩🇪.
He may be slowing down, but there’s still gas in the tank. One last dance in Europe?
June 7, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Son Heung-min could be made available after Ange's sacking.
A short-term Bundesliga return would be a full-circle moment, but unsure of his interest given his past comments on racism in 🇩🇪.
He may be slowing down, but there’s still gas in the tank. One last dance in Europe?
A short-term Bundesliga return would be a full-circle moment, but unsure of his interest given his past comments on racism in 🇩🇪.
He may be slowing down, but there’s still gas in the tank. One last dance in Europe?
World Cup bound for the 11th consecutive time!
South Korea punches their ticket to North America next June! 🇰🇷✈️🌎
The last time South Korea didn’t qualify (1982):
- The K-League didn’t exist
- Son Heung-min wasn’t born
- 🇰🇷 was under a dictatorship
South Korea punches their ticket to North America next June! 🇰🇷✈️🌎
The last time South Korea didn’t qualify (1982):
- The K-League didn’t exist
- Son Heung-min wasn’t born
- 🇰🇷 was under a dictatorship
June 5, 2025 at 9:44 PM
World Cup bound for the 11th consecutive time!
South Korea punches their ticket to North America next June! 🇰🇷✈️🌎
The last time South Korea didn’t qualify (1982):
- The K-League didn’t exist
- Son Heung-min wasn’t born
- 🇰🇷 was under a dictatorship
South Korea punches their ticket to North America next June! 🇰🇷✈️🌎
The last time South Korea didn’t qualify (1982):
- The K-League didn’t exist
- Son Heung-min wasn’t born
- 🇰🇷 was under a dictatorship
Funny how both Park Ji-sung and Lee Kang-in won their first UCL without playing in the final.
Crazy that the little guy from Shootdori would grow up to emulate Park & lift the trophy in similar circumstances.
Hope we see him play and win one someday.
Congrats to LKI & PSG! 🏆
Crazy that the little guy from Shootdori would grow up to emulate Park & lift the trophy in similar circumstances.
Hope we see him play and win one someday.
Congrats to LKI & PSG! 🏆
June 1, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Funny how both Park Ji-sung and Lee Kang-in won their first UCL without playing in the final.
Crazy that the little guy from Shootdori would grow up to emulate Park & lift the trophy in similar circumstances.
Hope we see him play and win one someday.
Congrats to LKI & PSG! 🏆
Crazy that the little guy from Shootdori would grow up to emulate Park & lift the trophy in similar circumstances.
Hope we see him play and win one someday.
Congrats to LKI & PSG! 🏆