'Shock! Avoid mandatory military service!' Japanese advice to Dani Daichi (Korean name Kim Do-yoon)... "I wanted to prove I needed it!"

'Shock! Avoid mandatory military service!' Japanese advice to Dani Daichi (Korean name Kim Do-yoon)... "I wanted to prove I needed it!"

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While Japan's U-17 national team has succeeded in passing the dramatic group stage, Dani Daichi (19), known as the son of famous Korean singer Kim Jung-min, is drawing attention.

Japan lost 2-3 to Australia in the final Group B match of the 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-17 Asian Cup in Taip, Saudi Arabia on the 11th (Korea time).

However, at the same time, the UAE drew 1-1 with Vietnam, and Japan succeeded in advancing to the quarterfinals as the top of the group in goal difference and secured a ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals in November.

Japan, the UAE, and Australia all scored one win, one draw and one loss (four points), but Japan was the top scorer in the group in terms of goal difference and multiple points. The UAE and Australia had the same goal difference and multiple points, while the UAE, which was ahead of the match, came in second.

In the match, Daichi Tani scored a chasing goal with his left foot in the box eight minutes into the substitution in the 41st minute of the second half. Although his team lost, Tani's goal left a strong impression, and Japanese media and fans reacted enthusiastically to his scoring instincts.

Dani Daichi is a dual citizen born to a Korean father (Kim Jung-min) and a Japanese mother. In Korea, he played in the FC Seoul youth team (Ohsan Middle School) under the name of "Kim Do-yoon," and later went to study for the Japanese Sagan Dos Youth Team, and is currently playing for the J-League Sagan Dos U-18.

He has been selected by Japan's national team based on age and was recognized as a key scoring resource until this year's event. He was the top scorer as he scored in all matches at the AFC preliminary match last year.

Dani had not had a chance to play due to poor condition until recently, but she proved her presence by scoring a valuable goal in the match against Australia. "I was mentally and physically challenged as I missed the previous two games. I prepared with the determination that this could be my last chance," Dani said after the match. "The space was tight and it was difficult to score unless it was a one-touch event. I really stretched out my feet to death."

"I wanted to prove that I needed it. It was a short time, but I was confident that I could do it enough. I wanted to show everyone that it is possible if I run for the sake of my life and death," he said.

Japanese media outlet Gekisaka highlighted his rebound by saying, "I made a mistake. The match against Australia will be recorded as the game where the sleeping tiger woke up."

"Dani is a typical striker who creates goals in various ways. This may be Japan's only hope," Soccer Digest said. "His height and determination of 184 centimeters is a huge weapon for our team."

Fans are also showing keen interest in him. Citing fans' responses, Soccer Digest reported that many fans are posting comments such as "It is a big risk to a soccer player because choosing Korean nationality would result in mandatory military service," "I hope you continue to contribute to Japanese soccer," and "The military service issue is the most realistic factor."

Given that he is also a Korean national, the possibility cannot be ruled out that the Korea Football Association will propose him naturalization in the future. However, given that he has played as a member of the Japanese national team and realistic factors such as military service, the prevailing view is that he is unlikely to play in the Korean national team. 먹튀검증

Meanwhile, if Japan wins against Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals and Korea also wins in the quarterfinals, a match between Korea and Japan will take place in the semifinals. In this case, Daichi Tani will play for Japan, his mother's country, and Korea, his father's country. The Korean national team, led by coach Baek Ki-tae, will have to be especially wary of Dani's toes.