Lee Kang-in. [The Black Label]
Lee Kang-in. [The Black Label]

South Korean national team footballer Lee Kang-in, 25, has signaled a broader public presence as he joins Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid.

Entertainment agency The Black Label announced Friday it had signed a management contract with Lee.

"Lee Kang-in has proven his presence on the world stage and is widely regarded as a player of exceptional skill, dedication and broad potential," the agency said. "As a steadfast partner in the new chapters and challenges he will write, we will offer him our full support."

The Black Label is a K-pop agency led by producer Teddy, whose roster includes Taeyang of Big Bang, Rosé of Blackpink, singer Jeon Somi, and groups All Day Project and Meow. The agency also manages actors Park Bo-gum, Im Si-wan and Kwak Dong-yeon.

Lee recently left Paris Saint-Germain to join Atletico Madrid on a five-year contract running through June 2031. He will wear the No. 7 jersey previously worn by club legend Antoine Griezmann.


jshan@heraldcorp.com