Jin Kwan-jang's Kim Young-hyun ends 12-year pro career: "Thank you for all support and criticism—I gave my all and squeezed everything out of myself"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Young-hyun (35, 186cm), a guard for Anyang Jin Kwan-jang Red Boosters of the Korean Basketball League (KBL), has concluded his 12-year playing career and bid farewell to the court he grew to love, sharing his personal reflections.

According to the KBL's announcement on the 8th regarding the results of re-negotiations for free agents (FA) with their original teams, a total of 11 players decided to retire during this voluntary negotiation period, with Kim Young-hyun officially added to the retirement list.

A graduate of Kyung Hee University, Kim Young-hyun entered the pro league as the 10th overall pick in the 2013 rookie draft. He played for Ulsan Hyundai Mobis and Wonju DB before joining Jin Kwan-jang for the 2024-2025 season. Despite his considerable age, he maintained his career through rigorous self-discipline. In the previous 2025-2026 regular season, he appeared in 53 games, averaging 15 minutes and 32 seconds per game, proving to be an indispensable and vital presence for his team. He has played a total of 267 games since the 2013-2014 season.

On the evening of the 8th, Kim Young-hyun announced his retirement, stating, "I am now leaving the court I grew to love and concluding my 12-year playing career. While I feel regretful about sharing this news, I also feel a sense of accomplishment for having endured such an intense and long period."

Downplaying himself as anything other than a flashy star player, Kim Young-hyun reflected on his past, saying, "I always believed my position could be replaced at any time, so on the court, I ran one step further than anyone else for the team, threw my body into the game, and squeezed everything out of myself."

Acknowledging that the pro stage was never perfect, Kim expressed both his apologies and gratitude to fans. He said, "I know there were moments when my play disappointed and frustrated you. Even with these shortcomings of mine, I want to express my gratitude to all the fans who supported me and those who offered sharp criticism." He bowed his head in thanks.

Finally, he extended his thanks to the coaches, front office staff, fellow players, and fans of all teams he played for, including Anyang Jin Kwan-jang, saying, "Thanks to your overwhelming love, I had a truly happy playing career."

Having completed his 12-year journey as a pro player, Kim Young-hyun added, "The curtain may now fall on basketball player Kim Young-hyun, but I will live my second act of life with the same intensity and diligence as I did on the court," reaffirming his firm resolve for the future.

Meanwhile, Kim Young-hyun, along with Kim Min-gu, Kim Jong-gyu, and Du Kyung-min, was a Kyung Hee University class of 2010 and became synonymous with defensive guards in the KBL. Changwon LG Sakers head coach Jo Sang-hyun (50) praised Kim before a match against Jin Kwan-jang in February, stating, "As a coach, there is no reason not to play a player who works as hard as him. In the pro league, it is natural, and from a player's perspective, that is how you survive—it is the way to survive."

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*This content was translated by AI.