Group photo with Chungcheongbuk-do after the interview

Won-jin Hong shares his thoughts on facing his hometown team after a month away.

Suwon Samseong drew 0-0 with Chungbuk Cheongju FC on Tuesday at Suwon World Cup Stadium in the 23rd round of the Hana Bank K League 2 2024. Suwon temporarily moved up to fifth place in the league (30 points), ahead of Gimpo FC on goal difference.

Hong Won-jin joined Suwon from Chungbuk Cheongju last month. A video of Hong Won-jin interacting with Chungbuk Cheongju fans during his last home game caused a bit of a stir among Korean soccer fans. The bond between Chungbuk Cheongju and Hong Won-jin was strong. Before the game, Hong Won-jin visited the Chungbuk Cheongju locker room and had a brief conversation with head coach Choi Yoon-gyum. After the game, he greeted the Chungbuk Cheongju fans, and they greeted the player who had dedicated himself to the team with cheers and applause.

Wonjin also said that this game was special. “It was very unfortunate that we didn’t take home the three points because we didn’t capitalize on our scoring chances and the goal was unfortunately disallowed,” said Hong Won-jin in the post-match mix zone. ”It was the first time I met my family team in such a short period of time. I was nervous before the game. I’ve played a lot of matches, but this was the first time I was nervous. However, as a professional player, I played with the mindset that the moment I entered the match, I had to win because it was the other team.”

“Before I left, the Ultras fans told me that they wanted me to come out and play against Chungbuk Cheongju in Suwon, and that they wanted me to play against them in a good way, so I prepared well and came out. I still feel loved every time I go, so I’m always grateful,” he said, expressing his gratitude once again.

The love he received in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, is also being received in Suwon. Suwon fans are known as the most passionate supporters in the K League. On 안전놀이터 this day, 14,866 people, the largest crowd in K League 2 history, came to the Suwon World Cup Stadium to show their support.

Hong made it clear that the Suwon fans were one of the reasons he decided to join Suwon. “Honestly, I chose Suwon because they are the best club and have the best supporters,” he said. ”Thankfully, they set a new crowd record every time I go to the stadium, so I can’t do anything but work hard. I’m grateful for every game, and I’ll do my best and work hard with my teammates to achieve the goal of promotion,” he said, expressing his desire to repay the fans.

Hong Won-jin has been playing consistently since his first game after joining the team. While it’s not uncommon for transferees to become starters right away, it’s safe to say that Byun is a trusted midfield resource.

“Since I arrived, he has been trusting me and giving me opportunities, so I have to try to repay him. I’m working hard, and I’m not done adapting, but I will adapt more and show good form. I’m always trying to train and play with gratitude to the coach so that I can continue to play as a starter in the Suwon Samsung team,” he said, adding that he was also grateful to Byun.

As for his personal goals, Hong said that he would definitely block the ball when he switches from offense to defense and become a link in the offense again to lead the team to victory, but he did not set any personal goals, saying that he would aim to dedicate himself to the team for promotion since he came to a new team.

After the interview, Hong Won-jin took a group photo with the Chungbuk Cheongju players waiting in the mix zone. He smiled awkwardly as he made a heart with his hands with Lee Kang-han, who was wearing a bandage for an elbow injury.