Kim Jin-kyu (born 16 February 1985) is a retired South Korean football player. He has gained reputation as a defender who is also capable of scoring.^[1]

He began playing football during 4th grade at elementary school influenced by his older brother. After graduating from Andong High School, he headed straight to K League instead of playing for a university. During his days at Jeonnam Dragons, he set a record by becoming the youngest player to score a goal in his team. He later transferred to Júbilo Iwata in 2005.

Kim returned to Jeonnam Dragons in January 2007 amid rumours he will return to South Korea by playing for Suwon Samsung Bluewings. Kim wanted to keep his promise with coach Huh Jung-moo, who wanted him to play for Jeonnam because the coach helped him "during a difficult time".^[2]

On 25 July 2007, he joined FC Seoul. He was in FC Seoul which won the K League in 2010.^{[citation needed]}

Kim transferred to Chinese Super League side Dalian Shide in January 2011.^[3] However, after Dalian's Korean manager Park Sung-hwa was sacked in May 2011, he lost his position in the club. Kim was loaned to J1 League club Ventforet Kofu for six months in July after managing eight appearances for the Chinese club. He returned to FC Seoul after Kofu were relegated to the Second Division.

In 2016 Kim signed for Pattaya United on loan from Muangthong United in the Thai Premier League.^[4]

He gained praise and notoriety during 2005 East Asian Football Championship. The Chinese coach at that time had pledged to end Koreaphobia by winning the match against Korea.^[5] The Chinese scored the first goal in the first half, but Kim prevented loss against China by scoring an equaliser.^[6] In 2006, he was selected to represent South Korea in FIFA World Cup. This time, however, his performance was below expectations when he played for Korea against Switzerland.^[7]

Kim was made captain in the Korean national football team for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Following the appointment as captain, Kim stated he would no longer free kick during the tournament.^[8]

He was included in the South Korea national football teams for the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, 2008 Summer Olympics, 2004 Asian Cup, 2005 East Asian Football Championship, 2006 World Cup, and 2007 Asian Cup.

He has been criticized for his hot temper and unprofessional behavior. During the 2004 Asian Cup, he received a red card for his hand gesture against an Iranian player during South Korea's match against Iran national football team, and was suspended for two games.^[10]

He was also met with criticism for his performance after South Korea failed to advance to the round of 16 for the 2006 World Cup for his lack of aggressiveness when it has been revealed that he had never used tackles during the matches despite his position as a defender.^[7]