# South Korean footballers' performance ahead of Asian Games

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-footballers-performance-ahead-of-asian-games
> Updated: 2026-09-08T04:33:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

South Korean footballers Yang Hyun-jun and Lee Young-jun demonstrated strong form in European club competitions leading up to the Asian Games in Japan.

In early September, Yang Hyun-jun scored for Celtic in a 3-0 victory against Aberdeen, while Lee Young-jun scored for Grasshopper in a 2-0 win over St. Gallen. Both players were preparing to join the South Korean U-23 national team.

Yang Hyun-jun recently secured a 2-1 victory for Celtic against St Mirren by scoring a decisive goal on a counterattack in the 68th minute. Although he received treatment for a knee collision during his substitution, Celtic manager Martin O'Neill indicated the player appeared to be okay.

Due to his commitment to the Asian Games, Yang is set to miss several upcoming fixtures for Celtic, including their Europa League opener against Ferencváros and matches against St Johnstone and Rangers. Former player Aiden McGeady commented on Yang’s excellent form, describing him as potentially the “best winger for the club so far this season.”

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun to miss Europa League opener

Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun will miss the Europa League opener against Ferencváros and other key fixtures due to his commitment to the Asian Games.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/celtic-winger-yang-hyun-jun-to-miss-europa-league-opener

### 2026-09-06: Yang Hyun-jun scores winner for Celtic against St Mirren

Yang Hyun-jun scored the winning goal in Celtic's 2-1 victory over St Mirren, securing five consecutive league wins before joining South Korea for the Asian Games.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yang-hyun-jun-scores-winner-for-celtic-against-st-mirren

### 2026-09-02: Yang Hyun-jun and Lee Young-jun score for European clubs ahead of Asian Games

South Korean players Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic) and Lee Young-jun (Grasshopper) both scored for their European clubs, providing a momentum boost ahead of their joining the U-23 national team for the Asian Games.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yang-hyun-jun-and-lee-young-jun-score-for-european-clubs-ahead-of-asian-games

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Cite as: South Korean footballers' performance ahead of Asian Games. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-footballers-performance-ahead-of-asian-games