[Behind the Interview] Facing retirement, even considered a move to Japan... "Dramatic joining with Hyundai Mobis," Bae Byeong-jun: "I will become a recognized player"

*This content was translated by AI.

Professional basketball "Veteran shooter" Bae Byeong-jun (36, Ulsan Hyundai Mobis) has seized another chance from the brink. After struggling to find a new team in the free agent (FA) market and nearly facing retirement, Hyundai Mobis extended a hand at the last moment. Bae promised, "I am grateful to the team that reached out to me. I will become a recognized player."

In a phone interview with StarNews on the 11th, Bae said, "I am relieved and grateful to have joined Hyundai Mobis."

There was a reason for that. This FA market was unusually cold. Many players were forced to declare retirement or remain unsigned, waiting for another opportunity. Bae, who gained FA eligibility this year after playing for Changwon LG, also endured a difficult period. Fortunately, Hyundai Mobis submitted a letter of intent at the very end of the FA market, allowing Bae to barely secure a fresh start.

Bae stated, "Looking at other players who have retired, I thought, 'I could have been one of them.' The situation was that difficult." He added, "Just as Hyundai Mobis reached out to me, I feel I must repay them with hard work."

He did not start without anxiety. Bae felt that the current KBL trend could make it a tough time for veterans. He recalled, "Last season, I saw all 10 teams using at least one player drafted in the rookie draft. I felt they were trying to undergo a generational shift."

Nevertheless, he had confidence. Bae is considered a top-tier shooter in the league. While with Anyang Jeong Kwan-jang during the 2023-2024 season, he averaged 9.1 points with a 34.3% three-point shooting percentage. In the 2024-2025 season, he averaged 10.0 points, shot 34.6% from three-point range, and 87.9% from the free-throw line. His three-point percentage in the 2022-2023 season was 38.2%. Although he struggled with LG last season, he remained a veteran shooter capable of hitting a big shot from the perimeter.

However, time passed without a new team. Bae recalled, "I had a vague confidence that I would hear from teams during FA. But the results were not good, and it was very difficult." In a desperate moment, he even made an awkward joke to his wife, former women's professional basketball player Ko Ara, who is now a coach at Sungui Girls' High School, asking, "Is there no place for me in women's basketball?"

As the breadwinner, the situation was even more urgent. Bae considered the possibility of not finding a team in Korea. He revealed, "I tried to find a job in any way. I looked into several places. I even sent my portfolio to teams in Japan's B2 League."

At the moment of crisis, Hyundai Mobis reached out to Bae. Bae is now able to step back onto the court wearing the Hyundai Mobis uniform. He said, "I was truly close to retirement. I am only grateful that I can play basketball again." He added, "I want to become a player recognized by Coach Yang Dong-geun and my teammates."

He continued, "I hope to have a season where I can hear comments like 'Player Bae Byeong-jun did well' or 'Hyung Bae-joon was good,' both on and off the court."

His resolve for the new team was clear. Bae said, "Hyundai Mobis has a solid roster and many promising young players. I will play next season to create synergy with good players and compete with them so that I can secure my place with pride."

Finally, he said, "I am sorry and grateful to LG fans. I also ask for your support from Hyundai Mobis fans."

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*This content was translated by AI.