From Barak Bakhar to the World Cup spotlight: Hwang In-beom’s rise

Hwang In-beom became South Korea’s breakout star at the start of the 2026 World Cup, starring in a comeback win over Czechia with a goal and an assist. The 29-year-old Feyenoord midfielder, usually a deeper-lying playmaker rather than a scorer, will try to repeat that impact against Mexico overnight Thursday to Friday as South Korea chases a second straight win.

The article traces how Hwang’s rise was shaped by Israeli coach Barak Bakhar during their time together at Red Star Belgrade. Hwang joined in September after the season had already begun, but the fit was immediate. Bakhar and assistant Guy Tzarfati used him in several midfield roles, from holding midfielder to advanced central positions, and he was at his best in a freer central role. One of his defining performances came in a 3-2 loss to Manchester City in the Champions League, when he scored and assisted Alexander Katai and was named man of the match.

Bakhar left Red Star after only half a season, but Hwang continued developing, later moving to Feyenoord for 7 million euros. Bakhar said, “I am very happy for him. I am not surprised by his success.” Tzarfati added that Hwang once refused to skip national-team duty despite an injury, saying, “There is no such thing for him, the national team is everything.” Bakhar said Hwang “turned the world upside down” to recover and join South Korea.

South Korea, a regular World Cup participant that has rarely won more than two matches in a tournament aside from 2002, sees Hwang as a central figure. He has 74 caps and 7 goals, after winning exemption from military service by taking gold with South Korea at the 2018 Asian Games. The piece says he is now a key player for Feyenoord and is expected to be in Robin van Persie’s Champions League plans next season if he stays.