'12 o'clock strike → Coach's midnight raid' FA star secures national team spot, Kang I-seul: "It would have been nice to stay..." [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

"I was truly surprised when I saw you come right to my house the moment the 12th o'clock strike sounded. I didn't realize you wanted me that badly."

National team sharpshooter Kang I-seul (32) chose Asan Woori Bank ourWON, with the decisive factor being Jeonju-won's midnight raid. This shows just how urgently Woori Bank wanted to sign Kang I-seul.

In a recent call with StarNews, Kang I-seul said, "The coach came to my door exactly at 0:00 on May 1. It felt like my address had been exposed," laughing, then added, "I think my mind was set after meeting with Coach Jeonju-won. When he specifically explained how he would utilize me and promised to help me excel even more in what I'm already good at, my heart was completely moved," revealing the behind-the-scenes story of her transfer.

Woori Bank officially announced on the 8th that it had signed FA player Kang I-seul to a four-year contract with a total annual value of 420 million won. The sincerity of Coach Jeonju-won, who visited Kang I-seul's home at midnight on May 1, the start of the negotiation period, moved Kang I-seul's heart.

Kang I-seul's transfer is one of the biggest topics in women's basketball. Last season, KB Stars completed a so-called super team with Kang I-seul, Park Ji-soo, and Heo Ye-eun, securing an overwhelming league championship. At the time, all three MVP candidates for the regular season were Kang I-seul, Park Ji-soo, and Heo Ye-eun of KB Stars (Park Ji-soo actually won the award), demonstrating their formidable strength.

Kang I-seul said, "If I had stayed, I could have won championships for several more years with a stable roster," but emphasized, "However, I felt that would lead to complacency and slower development. Knowing how precious a championship is, it wasn't easy to let go of that possibility, but in the end, my desire to take on a challenge was stronger."

Continuing, Kang I-seul said, "I have a personality that enjoys challenges," adding, "I have a very strong desire to play basketball well. With the sincere appeal from Coach Jeonju-won and Woori Bank, I think that's why I decided to transfer."

Her connection with Coach Jeonju-won dates back to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Kang I-seul said, "Back then, I learned even the smallest details of defensive steps from the coach and became convinced he was a leader who could utilize me best," and added, "During this negotiation process, his promise to help me develop further touched my desire to play basketball even better."

Now wearing a new uniform, Kang I-seul also showed a flexible attitude regarding her jersey number. She said, "If number 11 is available, I'd wear it, but if not, I think it's fine not to wear a number, as I feel like starting with a fresh mindset," and added, "I'm considering options like number 3, 10, or 25, which I used with the national team."

She also did not forget her sincere gratitude toward her former team's fans. Kang I-seul said, "I received more than enough love during my five years at KB. I feel very sorry that this choice might hurt the fans," and added, "I hope they will understand generously, and I will do my best at Woori Bank for the team's goals."

After a grueling schedule through the championship series, Kang I-seul plans to join the Woori Bank squad around mid-June out of consideration for the club, beginning preparations for the new season in earnest.

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*This content was translated by AI.