Lee Hyo-kyeong

Lee Hyo-kyeong (born 12 February 1997) is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a defender for WK League club Gangjin Swans WFC.

Early life Hailing from the southwestern city of Mokpo, Lee is the second of five sisters. She began playing football while in the third grade at Mokpo Buseol Elementary School. She was the first girl to play in the Mokpo Mayor's Cup football tournament, attracting the attention of local football coaches and scouts. She then became the first Korean to play for a Japanese university side when she moved to Hokuriku University. During her youth career, Lee suffered from a series of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Having spent the 2018 season on the bench, Lee made her debut for Niigata in the club's first match of 2019 and went on to make 25 appearances in the 2019 Nadeshiko League season.

Lee joined Sejong Sportstoto ahead of the 2023 WK League season. She became club captain in 2024.

In 2026 Lee moved to newly established side Gangjin Swans, becoming the club's first captain. She scored the opening goal in the Swans' shock away win against Suwon FC in round 5 of the 2026 WK League.

International career Within a few months of deciding to pursue football seriously, Lee began playing for South Korea at youth level, serving as captain of the country's U-13 side. Lee played for the South Korea U-20 team at the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. She scored her debut international goal in 2024 in a friendly against Canada.