Sounders add depth to backline sign Kim Kee-hee

Sounders FC added dept to an already fortified backline with the announced re-signing of South Korean International Kim Kee-hee for the upcoming 2025 season with a club option for 2026. The Sounders had the best defense in MLS last season, allowing a league-low 35 goals. The CLUB will be competing for multiple Cups in the upcoming season. The Rave Green will kick off the season on February 19th in Round One of the Concacaf Champions League Cup against Guatemalan side Antigua FC. The Sounders will then begin their MLS campaign three days later when they host Charlotte FC on February 22nd.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Kim Kee-hee back to Seattle,” said Sounders FC General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel. “Signing a player of his caliber adds experience and quality to our squad, on top of invaluable veteran leadership that will be crucial during a busy and demanding season. We look forward to bringing him in to bolster our already talented defensive unit.”

SOLID DEFENDER FAMILIAR WITH SOUNDERS SYSTEM

Kim is a solid goal box defender with plenty of experience and returns to Seattle after playing for the club from 2018-2019 and made 66 appearances with 64 starts in all competitions.In 2019, he started all his appearances and helped the club win its second MLS Cup, playing all 90 minutes in the 3-1 MLS Cup Final win over Toronto FC.

Following his two seasons in Seattle, Kim played for Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea’s K-League 1 from 2020-2024, making 146 appearances (138 starts) and scoring three goals. The defender won three consecutive K-League titles from 2022-2024 while finishing second in 2020 and 2021, in addition to winning the AFC Champions League Elite in 2020. Kim also finished runner-up in the Korea Cup in 2020 and 2024.

“I am very happy to welcome Kim back to the club and have him join our current squad,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “He’s a smart, composed defender who understands what it takes to compete at the highest level. Given his familiarity with our team, I expect him to seamlessly fit into our system and elevate the players around him.”

PLENTY OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Prior to joining Seattle in 2018, the South Korea international played for Shanghai Shenua of the Chinese Super League, starting all 45 of his appearances, including all 30 games of the 2016 campaign. Before Shanghai Shenua, he spent three seasons with the K-League 1’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, making 80 appearances from 2013-2015 and winning league titles in 2014 and 2015. His pro career began in 2011 with South Korean club Daegu FC, where he spent two seasons before being loaned to Qatari side Al-Sailiya SC for the 2012-2013 campaign.

In addition to his two K-League 1 titles in 2014 and 2015, Kim led Shanghai Shenua to the 2017 Chinese FA Cup title and a spot in the AFC Champions League, where he made one appearance. The centerback has 23 caps for the South Korean National Team, including a total of nine appearances during South Korea’s successful 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.

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TRANSACTION: Sounders FC signs defender Kim Kee-hee for the 2025 season with a club option for 2026 on January 28, 2025.

Full Name: Kim Kee-hee

Position: Defender

Height: 6-2

Weight: 172

Hometown: Busan, South Korea

Date of Birth: July 13, 1989, in Busan, South Korea

Nationality: South Korea

Acquired: Signed on January 28, 2025

Previous Teams: Ulsan Hyundai (2020-2024), Sounders FC (2018-2019), Shanghai Shenua (2016-2017), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (2013-2016), Al-Sailiya (2012-2013), Daegu FC (2011-2013)