News feed Saturday January 7th, 2012: Veterans to see return to the national team

Ever since Choe Ganghui was named as the head coach of the national team, it had been a long wonder of the fans to see just how many of Choe's pupils from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will make the transition to the national team. Yesterday, manager Choe revealed his desire to select as many Jeonbuk players as he can, confessing that he will not shy away from resorting to Jeonbuk's recent success at his new job.

The 2011 K-League winners have surprisingly, but largely been ignored at the national team during Jo Gwangrae's tenure. Manager Jo opted to base his national team with younger, more fresh faces--many of whom belonged to clubs in the bottom half of the K-League table. Yesterday, Choe Ganghui suggested changes were about to come by declaring Gim Sangsik, a 37 year old defensive midfielder, a strong selection candidate for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait. Following are other news around Korean football:

• Yi Cheonsu most recently made the headlines with his public apology and beggary towards Chunnam Dragons. Because of the two parties' last encounter that ended with a forced release by Chunnam, Yi needs Chunnam's permission in order to return to the K-League. Yesterday, the Chunnam Dragons announced on their official website that Yi Cheonsu's apologetic behaviours are lacking seriousness thus they will not be allowing Yi Cheonsu's transfer to a Korean club. Chunnam's decision results in a huge blow to Yi who had been pushing for his K-League return all winter long.

• Hong Myeongbo's U23 side got on their first plane ride of the new year to start off their 2012 campaign. The U23 side will make a brief visit to Okinawa, then fly to Thailand to take part in the exhibitionary King's Cup tournament. The tournament is to be served as a preparation for the upcoming Olympic qualifying matches in February, which will be played away from home in Saudi Arabia and Oman. MKSports highlights the importance of the Middle East double header, explaining that the full squad Hong has now may not be available due to the overlapping schedule with the senior team and the start of the K-League and J.League seasons when the final Olympic qualifying match against Qatar is played on March.

• Incheon United is planning on inviting a North Korean club, rumoured to be April 25 Sports Club, to play the club's debuting match in Sungui Arena Park--Incheon United's new home stadium. If the plan is successful, it will mark the first time in which a North Korean football club is hosted on South Korean soil.