SEOUL: Bayern Munich defender Kim Minjae has been named South Korean Footballer of the Year, the national federation KFA said on Tuesday, reported dpa.
Kim, 27, helped Napoli win a first Serie A title in 33 years last year and was named best defender of the Italian top flight.
He moved on to Bayern in August for €50 million (US$55.2 million) and has so far featured in 22 games for the Bundesliga champions, scoring one goal.
Kim will represent South Korea at the upcoming Asian Cup in Qatar where the twice champions face Malaysia, Jordan, and Bahrain in the group stage. South Korea's German coach Jurgen Klinsmann has named Kim "an absolute team leader."
Depending on how far South Korea goes in the January 12-February 10 tournament, Kim could miss up to six Bundesliga matches, including the February 10 match against current leaders Bayer Leverkusen. - Bernama