[Interview] 'From Player to Analyst' New Beginning... 'Nong-ter-man' Kim Jin-yong, Fan Dumbcast Microphone: "I Will Bring Fresh Fun"

*This content was translated by AI.

"The most rewarding moments are when fans watch my videos and praise me."

Former KBL player and basketball analysis content creator 'Nong-ter-man' Kim Jin-yong (32) will take on the broadcast microphone. Goyang Sonok and Busan KCC will face off in Game 1 of the 2025-2026 KBL Championship Finals at 2 p.m. on the 5th at Goyang Sonok Arena. Prior to this, domestic OTT platform TVING has prepared the first-ever 'Fan Dumbcast' for professional basketball. Along with Kim Jin-yong, former basketball players Ha Seung-jin and Jeon Tae-pung, comedian Jo Jin-se, actor JEONG JIN WOON, and singer Byul are among the diverse cast members expected to participate. Fan Dumbcast is a fan-centric broadcast content that breaks away from traditional broadcast formats, focusing on real-time interaction and fan participation in cheering.

In a phone interview with StarNews on the 4th, Kim Jin-yong said, "Ha Seung-jin and Jeon Tae-pung are proven figures. They gave me many kind words during my playing days. We have also worked together on broadcast programs, so I believe we know each other well." He added, "Ha Seung-jin and Jeon Tae-pung are a proven chemistry. (In this Fan Dumbcast) The chemistry between me and other basketball enthusiasts will likely be a very fresh and entertaining sight for fans."

Kim Jin-yong, a Yonsei University graduate, entered the professional league as the 8th overall pick in the 2017 KBL Rookie Draft. He played for Jeonju KCC (now Busan KCC), Goyang Carrot (now Goyang Sonok), Goyang Sonok, and Seoul Samsung. Although he was expected as a promising center, competing for a starting position in the pro league was not easy. He announced his retirement at the end of the 2024-2025 season. However, Kim Jin-yong has started a new second life as a basketball analysis content creator, communicating with basketball fans and providing various forms of entertainment.

Kim Jin-yong currently operates a channel called 'Nong-ter-man'. Among its content, 'Nano Analysis,' which focuses on and meticulously analyzes the plays of KBL players, has gained great popularity among fans. Kim Jin-yong explained, "I don't think my analytical skills are incredibly outstanding. However, since there was no one who spoke like 'Nano Analysis,' fans seem to find it fresh." He continued, "I played for about 17 years, so there are parts that naturally appear from a player's perspective. Rather than analyzing with tremendous insight, I convey things easily through language and visuals that fans can understand."

He also said, "After retiring as a player, I am running a personal broadcast, focusing on commentary from a player's perspective. Fans watch games from the stands, while players watch from the bench, so they often see games from different perspectives. I am showing and informing fans about these aspects." He added, "Basketball is a sport where 10 players gather closely on a very small court. However, many detailed and tactical elements are hidden within. Sometimes interesting parts are not easily visible, and I am playing the role of informing fans about those parts."

In a way, his difficult competition for a starting position during his playing days is helping him provide refined analysis of players' plays. Kim Jin-yong recalled, "During my active career, I was the 11th or 12th player. It was embarrassing. Other players had their jerseys soaked and towels around their necks, while I couldn't even step onto the court." He continued, "The time spent on the court is a shining moment for players. For me, it is a space I cannot return to, so I sometimes feel envious. For those players, that moment is the most cool moment. I want to highlight those players and talk more deeply about their plays, which seems to be the foundation of my analysis. It means I want to leave 'that moment' more valuable for the players while providing fun for the fans."

Coincidentally, this championship match is a showdown between Sonok and KCC, teams Kim Jin-yong played for during his career. Regarding the championship analysis, Kim Jin-yong stated, "The team I was with the longest was KCC, and the most impactful moment was during my time with Carrot, the predecessor of Sonok. Individual player skills may be higher for the 'super team' KCC, but in terms of team balance, Sonok has the advantage." He added, "I think Sonok is getting a strong tailwind (in this PO). Whether the 'super team' KCC can overcome Sonok's tailwind is the key point to watch."

Finally, Kim Jin-yong said, "Actually, I am not a broadcaster who only delivers polished remarks. Rather than just covering up for close players, I try to criticize where criticism is needed and highlight where highlighting is needed, striving to provide very fresh fun." He concluded, "I hope fans will watch pleasantly and enjoyably. As one of the KBL and the basketball community, I will work hard to provide interesting viewing experiences and fun basketball stories to fans. Thank you in advance."

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*This content was translated by AI.