January 13, 2025...AFC Toronto Signs South Korean International Hong Hye-ji (from AFC Toronto news release)
AFC Toronto Signs South Korean International Hong Hye-ji
Central defender brings FIFA Women’s World Cup experience to club’s growing roster
Toronto, ON (January 13, 2025) - AFC Toronto is excited to announce the signing of central
defender Hong Hye-ji from Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels WFC. The 28-year-old arrives in
Toronto from South Korea's leading WK League with a wealth of experience at the club and
international level. A proven leader, Hong has 40 caps for the South Korea National Team
alongside her club success, including at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
After starting her career in Japan with INAC Kobe Leonessa, Hong was selected first overall in
the 2018 WK League Draft by Changnyeong WFC. In 2021, the defender joined powerhouse
club Hyundai Steel Red Angels where she contributed to multiple domestic championship wins
and competed continentally in the AFC Women's Club Championship.
Complimenting her impressive club success is a blooming international career. Hong has
showcased her talent against top-ranked opponents such as the United States and England. At
the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Hong played in the group stage game against Morocco.
Hong Hye-ji poses while wearing South Korea national team jersey for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Credit: FIFA/Image provided by player.
“Hye-ji is a player with significant professional experience under her belt, including at the
international level with South Korea. She comes from a very competitive setting in the WK
League with a true hunger and desire plus priceless World Cup experience. We believe she will
help set standards at the club and is the perfect fit for our team from both a skill and leadership
standpoint,” said Billy Wilson, AFC Toronto Sporting Director.
Prior to her senior career, Hong was a member of the South Korea team that won the AFC U-19
Women's Championship in 2013 and featured at two FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups.
Additionally, she was named the Korea Football Association Young Player of the Year in 2015.
"The project at AFC Toronto is extremely exciting to me, and I am committed to helping the club
become one of the top competitors in the Northern Super League. I'm always eager to improve
my skills and look forward to my next chapter in Canada," said Hong.
Additional player signings will be announced in the coming weeks.
Hong Hye-ji keeps possession of the ball on the pitch for former club Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels WFC.
Credit: Image provided by player.
Hong Hye-ji attempts to kick the ball during a game for former club Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels WFC.
Credit: Image provided by player.
Hong Hye-ji scans the pitch while playing for former club Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels WFC.
Credit: Image provided by player
About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club in the new Canadian women's professional soccer league, the
Northern Super League. The club is gearing up to deliver a top-tier experience for players, staff,
and supporters in spring 2025. AFC Toronto is committed to uniting the community and inspiring
young women and girls to lead, develop, and excel. The club’s purpose is to not just build a
football club but to also create a platform for girls and women to achieve greatness on their
terms.
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