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Min-Jae Kim (known to most English-speaking audiences as Kim Min-jae, as German outlets reverse the traditional Korean name order) appeared alongside head coach Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich’s first press conference of their South Korean preseason stay, receiving the sort of attention normally reserved for the German champions’ most prominent attacking stars.
On Jeju, there was never much doubt which member of Bayern’s travelling party would command centre stage. One South Korean newspaper announced the squad’s arrival by declaring that “The Monster has landed”—a reference to the nickname Kim earned through his speed, physicality, and aggressive defending.
Bayern are touring South Korea for the second time in three summers, and the soon-to-be 30-year-old has once again become the club’s principal local attraction. Kim received a similarly enthusiastic welcome when the German record champions visited his homeland in 2024.
For a player who generally maintains a low profile in Munich, the reception offers a temporary change of pace. In South Korea, every appearance becomes a home fixture and practically every touch of the ball draws a reaction.
Kim embraces challenger role at Bayern
The warm homecoming arrives at a time when Kim’s sporting status in Munich remains a regular subject of discussion. Bayern paid approximately €50m to sign the South Korean from Napoli in 2023 as a replacement for Paris Saint-Germain-bound Lucas Hernández. Kim began as a regular under Thomas Tuchel but struggled for consistency and eventually lost his starting place to Eric Dier during the decisive phase of his first season.
Jonathan Tah’s subsequent arrival intensified the competition. Tah and Dayot Upamecano have since emerged as Kompany’s preferred central-defensive partnership for Bayern’s most important fixtures, leaving Kim to operate as an unusually accomplished reserve. Kim nevertheless remains firmly in Bayern’s plans and intends to stay. Unlike João Palhinha, Bryan Zaragoza, and Sacha Boey, the defender has not been informed that he should seek another club.
“I played a relatively large number of matches in my own way last year,” Kim said while sitting alongside Kompany. “Because I find myself in the position of the challenger, I have no choice but always to give my best on the training pitch.
“Instead of displaying poor performances or a poor attitude,” Kim continued. “I tried to work even harder. I think that if I continue in this manner, the coach will certainly give me many opportunities.”
Kim also described himself as fortunate to work under Kompany, praising the Bayern trainer’s openness and detailed communication with his players.
Kompany understands Kim’s position
Kompany can relate personally to the fluctuating status of an elite central defender.
“I was in Min-Jae’s position, I was in Upa’s position, and I was in Tah’s position—all within one cycle when I was a centre-back at Manchester City,” the Belgian said.
The Bayern head coach considers Kim’s presence important to maintaining competition and standards throughout the squad. The South Korean’s work ensures that Tah and Upamecano cannot relax even when the nominal hierarchy appears settled.
“What I really have to credit Min-Jae for is that, no matter what happens, he retains his focus,” Kompany said. “He doesn’t say much away from the pitch.
“In every situation, he has shown the right response: giving everything in training and giving everything on the pitch,” Kompany continued. “His performances last season were really good for us.”
Kompany also rejected the tendency to reduce Bayern’s central defenders to a simple ranking. Kim’s performances in training and competitive fixtures help push every player competing for the same position.
Bayern’s quiet comedian takes centre stage
Kim’s imposing “Monster” persona apparently disappears inside the Bayern dressing room.
“I don’t think most people know that he has an incredible sense of humour,” Kompany revealed with Kim seated beside him. “Every time, the teammate next to him starts laughing because Min-Jae has said something.”
The disclosure adds a different dimension to a player typically known for keeping his public comments brief and allowing his defending to speak for him.
South Korean supporters may see their fearsome defensive superstar. His Bayern teammates evidently know another version: the quiet centre-back whose well-timed remarks keep catching the rest of the defensive unit off guard.
Kim may presently occupy the role of challenger in Munich, but there was no mistaking the hierarchy during Monday’s press conference. On Jeju, the “Monster” was the main event.
Whatever order his name appears in, South Korea belongs to Kim.
