[Interview] "1 million times the burden, asked for an FA gift" Jeonju-won, new Woori Bank head coach, continues Sung-woo's 14-year legacy

*This content was translated by AI.

"It's a burden 1 million times greater. No one would think they could do what Sung-woo (55), the head coach, has done. But..."

About three weeks have passed since the new "commander" Jeonju-won, head coach of Asan Woori Bank, took the reins. In a phone interview with StarNews on the 4th, Coach Jeon said, "I'm completely overwhelmed," but also conveyed his determination to "do his best."

Woori Bank made a head coach change last month, the first in 14 years. Coach Sung-woo, who built the "Woori Bank dynasty," stepped down as head coach, and Coach Jeon-won, who had served as his assistant for 14 years, was appointed as the new commander. Coach Jeon's contract runs until May 2029. The Woori Bank organization stated regarding the appointment, "We judged that promoting from within would maintain organizational stability while leading new changes."

It appears Head Coach Sung-woo had been considering Coach Jeon as the new commander for quite some time. Coach Jeon recalled, "During the break last January, it seemed he had already made up his mind. When Head Coach Sung-woo told me to 'prepare my heart,' I replied that 'nothing has been decided yet.' However, the decision on the head coach was made quickly after the season ended. Coach Jeon said, "(After the official announcement) I had many worries about what and how to do. But I think it's a task I must solve moving forward. As time passes, I'm sure my worries will only grow. It's the same for the team and the players; there will be times when we hit a wall. I want to get through it well."

Head Coach Sung-woo conveyed his feelings to Coach Jeon through his final farewell. Coach Jeon said, "(After the head coach appointment) He didn't say much about basketball. He thanked me for helping well for 14 years. He said he was grateful because I worked hard for 14 years without any falsehoods." He added, "He said it was right for me to become the head coach and that he would step back and cheer for me. I asked, 'Can I ask for help when things get tough?' He said, 'You'll do well on your own,' but I think he will offer help."

There is no doubt there will be pressure. Head Coach Sung-woo led Woori Bank from 2012 through last season, achieving 10 regular season championships and 8 championship finals victories. Now, Coach Jeon will take over Head Coach Sung-woo's legacy. Coach Jeon said, "It's a burden 1 million times greater," adding, "Since Head Coach Sung-woo did so well, everyone will be worried. But I will also work harder to protect that legacy. No one would think they could do what Head Coach Sung-woo did. I may not become like him, but I think I must go in a similar direction. I want to try that. I will do my best."

The long 14-year coaching career actually became time to prepare as a head coach. Coach Jeon, who also expressed gratitude for the dedication of his family, including his lovely daughter, said, "I coached for 14 years, but I don't think it's too late (as a head coach). Everyone has their own pace. I felt many shortcomings while coaching. However, Head Coach Sung-woo told me, 'Now you must become a head coach,' and I became a head coach when I thought, 'Should I do it now?'" During this time, Coach Jeon not only coached for Woori Bank but also served as the head coach of the Yeo Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team this year, proving his leadership. In that sense, Head Coach Sung-woo was a coach who could trust and entrust Woori Bank's future to no one more than himself.

Once Coach Jeon takes the reins, there will already be three female coaches leading teams in the Women's Professional Basketball League next season. Another "legend," Park Jung-eun, head coach of Busan BMK, led the club to its first-ever championship in the 2024-2025 season. Choi Yoon-ah, head coach of Incheon Shinhan Bank, took charge of the team last season. Coach Jeon explained, "I think it's a welcome development for female coaches to appear in the Women's Professional Basketball League. It shows that they too can work as coaches in the future. If we pave the way well, I believe more paths will open for our juniors. I will work harder."

One might expect ambition for results, but Coach Jeon said, "I am a rookie commander," adding, "Since it's my first season as a head coach, I don't consider myself a rival to other coaches (Park Jung-eun, Choi Yoon-ah). I will try to find my own capabilities." He continued, "I'm not sure about expectations for next season. Last season was very difficult. Considering that, next season won't be easy either. But I think we must set our goals high to move in a similar direction. I will run while looking up." He answered humbly.

Although the season has ended, Coach Jeon has no choice but to move busily. He must immediately assemble the coaching staff and build a roster for next season. The commander's thought is to reduce the burden on "ace" Kim Dan-bi. Coach Jeon said, "Kim Dan-bi is also at an age where doing it alone is too heavy. I hope to reduce Kim Dan-bi's burden and have the other players step up. Lee Myeong-gwan played well among the current players but couldn't play much last season due to injury. I hope Lee Myeong-gwan can step up. I hope other young players will also help well."

Acquiring free agents (FA) can also be a way to strengthen the team. This year's FA market saw top-tier league players such as "National Treasure Center" Park Ji-soo and "National Team Shooter" Kang Yi-seul (both from Cheongju KB) emerge. Coach Jeon did not hide his true feelings about strengthening the team. He said, "There is nothing yet, but I asked for an FA gift. The organization is also making efforts."

For now, Coach Jeon plans to focus on team harmony. He said, "Imprinting my own style as a head coach takes a lot of time. It is more important to harmonize the players than to impose my own style. If we harmonize the players, my style will emerge during training." He added, "Many people are worried due to Head Coach Sung-woo's tremendous legacy, but I will work hard. I ask for your many cheers and hope the players will also be encouraged. I hope you will cheer for Woori Bank to reach higher places."

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*This content was translated by AI.