* Translated by AI

Starnews

"I will surpass movie actor Ha Jung-woo" — Tall striker Ha Jung-woo, born in 2005, who said, "My self-esteem had fallen to the bottom..." [Suwon field]

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Park Geondo

*This content was translated by AI.

Ha Jung-woo (below) and Suwon FC fans are performing a celebration together after the match. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Ha Jung-woo (below) and Suwon FC fans are performing a celebration together after the match. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League

A new star striker has appeared on the K League stage. Ha Jung-woo (21, Suwon FC), a 2005-born rookie with an overwhelming 191cm physique and speed, is growing at a fierce pace.

On the 3rd, in the 10th round of the Hana Bank K League 2 2026 match against Suwon Samsung held at Suwon Comprehensive Stadium, Ha Jung-woo scored two goals in the second half alone, leading his team to a 3-1 comeback victory.

This is his fifth goal in just nine games this season. After making his debut in 2024 and spending a period of endurance on loan at Seongnam FC, Ha Jung-woo has now fully transformed into Suwon FC's starting striker.

In the post-match press conference, Ha Jung-woo briefly stated, "The first half was tough, but I am very happy that we were able to secure a comeback victory in the second half."

Ha Jung-woo's performance today shattered the stereotype that tall strikers are slow. Ha Jung-woo said, "Most people think that if you are tall, your agility suffers, but I am confident in my speed. I didn't have many chances to show my speed before, but I think I showed it properly today," expressing his confidence.

In fact, Ha Jung-woo went through a difficult time just a year ago. During his 2025 season loan at Seongnam, he managed only seven games with zero goals and was also excluded from the U-20 World Cup roster of his peers. Ha Jung-woo revealed, "I didn't get many opportunities last year, so my confidence dropped, and not being able to go to the World Cup made my self-esteem fall to the bottom. However, that period became a great learning experience. Based on those valuable experiences, I worked harder after returning."

Ha Jung-woo (No. 99) is mimicking Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres' celebration. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Ha Jung-woo (No. 99) is mimicking Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres' celebration. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League

Coach Park Geon-ha's advice also helped awaken Ha Jung-woo. It is reported that Park Geon-ha, a former legendary striker, became a great source of strength for Ha Jung-woo, who had been stressed by the team's winless streak and his own lack of finishing ability. Ha Jung-woo said, "Two days ago, I tried to clear my mind through a conversation with the coach. I received advice that a striker must play with a clear mind. In the first half against Suwon, I was intimidated by the opponent's momentum and made many mistakes, but thanks to the coach giving me the belief that I could do it, I was able to run desperately in the second half."

Today, after scoring, Ha Jung-woo performed the signature celebration of Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres. Ha Jung-woo boldly expressed his ambition, saying, "I watch Viktor Gyokeres' highlights every night before going to sleep. Since I scored my first goal and performed that celebration, I plan to continue pushing forward with it."

He also cheerfully answered questions about an episode related to his name. Regarding the incidents caused by sharing a name with a famous movie actor, Ha Jung-woo said, "I was asked many times if I was the movie actor. I feel good that I am gradually making my name known through football. I will strive to surpass actor Ha Jung-woo," he smiled.

Even with his first multi-goal performance, Ha Jung-woo was not satisfied. He said, "Until now, I had a tendency to be satisfied even if I scored just one goal, but from now on, I will keep aiming for multi-goals and hat-tricks. I was still hungry. I still cannot be satisfied. If I had played like this in the first half, I could have taken the game more easily. I need to develop further."

Suwon FC striker Ha Jung-woo is performing a shirt-off celebration after scoring the decisive goal against Suwon Samsung. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League
Suwon FC striker Ha Jung-woo is performing a shirt-off celebration after scoring the decisive goal against Suwon Samsung. /Photo=Korea Professional Football League

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*This content was translated by AI.

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