A '37-year-old' veteran whom Cha Du-ri couldn't help but admire: 'Kim Byung-oh's energy' overflowing both on and off the field [Hwaseong Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

A smile spread across the lips of Cha Du-ri (46), head coach of Hwaseong FC in K League 2. He was explaining the story of '1989-born' veteran forward Kim Byung-oh (37). On the 3rd, Kim Byung-oh was selected in the starting lineup for the Hana Bank K League 2 2026 Round 10 home match against Ansan Greeners at Hwaseong Comprehensive Sports Town's main stadium, receiving Coach Cha's nod. It was his first start in about a month since the match against Seongnam FC on the 4th of last month, and his first start in four games.

Recently, it had been difficult for him to get playing time. In the previous three matches, he appeared only once as a substitute, and he spent the remaining two games on the bench. However, he was suddenly given a starting opportunity in the Ansan match. Coach Cha Du-ri said, "It was an important match, and since our team has many young players, we needed a player of an age who could help manage the game. Kim Byung-oh's condition is good. From the way he behaves during training, he is full of energy, and seeing him play with more excitement than the younger players despite his age makes me feel very good," he smiled.

The 'energy' of Kim Byung-oh that captivated Coach Cha Du-ri was fully revealed on the field that day. Playing as a wide attacker for his team, Kim Byung-oh constantly shook the opponent's defensive flanks. He repeatedly troubled opposing defenders, using speed and dribbling to look for opportunities at every turn. Although his non-stop shots in the first half went in vain, he managed to connect a cross from the wing in the 6th minute of the second half with a header, finally shaking the net. It was his first goal of the season and a valuable opening goal that broke the 0-0 tie in an important match.

The energy poured out by Kim Byung-oh ultimately became a crucial foundation for Hwaseong's victory. After taking the lead, as the opponent focused on attacking, Hwaseong looked for opportunities through counter-attacks targeting the space behind. In the added time of the second half, a heartbreaking equalizing goal was narrowly ruled out, allowing the team to recover. Conversely, a decisive goal by Woo Je-wook in the final moments of added time sealed the win. With two consecutive wins included, Hwaseong extended their unbeaten run to four matches (3 wins, 1 draw). Hwaseong's ranking jumped to 5th place (4 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses, 15 points). At the center of this was the energy of Kim Byung-oh, who started after four games, and his valuable opening goal.

After the match, Coach Cha Du-ri's praise for Kim Byung-oh became even more specific. Pointing directly at Kim, Coach Cha said, "Since he scored today, I think we should praise (Kim) Byung-oh." He added, "You can see his energy and love for the game just by watching him during training. Of course, he is not a perfect player. Sometimes his touches feel long and dull, and people even say he plays like 'Cha Du-ri in his playing days,' " he smiled.

He continued, "He always tries to help the team. He is a player who always gives his maximum whenever he goes onto the field. That is his greatest strength as a player. Even when he cannot play, his attitude as a veteran in taking care of the squad is good," adding the 'high praise' that he is "now an indispensable player for the team."

Hearing the coach's praise, Kim Byung-oh humbly replied, "Although I am older, since there are many young players, I feel like I am receiving energy from them." He added, "Whether I come on as a substitute or don't play, I believe I have my role. I am working hard to repay that trust. I am glad that part is coming out well."

Kim Byung-oh, who is also a founding member of the 'professional team' Hwaseong FC along with Coach Cha Du-ri, said firmly, "Not just me, but the biggest factor in everyone choosing the team Hwaseong was the presence of Coach Cha Du-ri." He stated, "He treats all players equally, including through physical contact. That is different from other Korean coaches. Thanks to that, players feel comfortable, and I think that translates onto the field." He emphasized, "Although it was a team that didn't receive much attention, we have been accumulating points continuously. Our team goal is to reach the 6th-team playoff (PO)."

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*This content was translated by AI.