[On-Site Interview] As discharge approaches, the moment becomes even more precious... 100th K League 1 match with a long-range goal, Park Cheol-woo: "This time is precious"

*This content was translated by AI.

Although discharge is near, Kim Cheon (SVP) defender Park Cheol-woo (29) still felt a strong sense of urgency. There was a reason.

On the 5th, Gimcheon drew 1-1 against Jeju SK in their home match at the 16th round of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 held at Gimcheon Sports Complex. After more than a month-long break, Gimcheon added one point in their first match back, recording two wins, nine draws, and five losses for a total of 15 points.

Although they did not secure a win, Park Cheol-woo's strike was powerful. In the 25th minute of the second half, he did not miss the opportunity when Jeju goalkeeper Kim Dong-jun left his goal to intercept a lobbed pass and advanced forward. Despite the long distance, he boldly took a shot, and the ball went straight into the empty net.

After the match, Park Cheol-woo reflected: "The break was long, and it seems the parts we prepared during that time came out well on the field. Although we didn't win, there were satisfying moments."

Regarding the long-range goal scene, he explained: "When I first got the ball, I had no intention of shooting. But after hearing a call from the bench, I suddenly thought, 'Should I try one shot?' I took the shot calmly, and luckily it found the net."

On this day, Gimcheon head coach Joo Seung-jin highly praised Park Cheol-woo and other 10th batch players such as Lee Jung-taek. With only about three months left until discharge, it could have been a time when their focus might waver, but the senior players of Gimcheon are showing even more passion than anyone else in the team.

The 10th batch players of Gimcheon enlisted on April 7 last year. Their scheduled discharge date is October 6 this year. There are now less than 100 days left. However, for Park Cheol-woo, his final time with Gimcheon is by no means light.

His original team, Suwon FC, is currently in K League 2. Park Cheol-woo said: "Once I am discharged, I will have to go down to K League 2. That's why the time I'm spending now with Gimcheon in K League 1 is so precious and I am grateful. Until the day of my discharge, I really want to stay united and play hard in every match."

He added: "There are less than 100 days left until my discharge, and I want to finish both my remaining military service and matches without any regrets, enjoying them fully."

Park Cheol-woo, who communicates frequently with Lee Jung-taek, explained: "When I am discharged later, I might feel very regretful about this time. So we tell each other to work harder so that such feelings don't arise."

He further emphasized his sense of responsibility at Gimcheon. Park Cheol-woo said: "Since I am currently with Gimcheon, I want to do my best here first. I also have a desire to repay Coach Joo Seung-jin."

He continued with emphasis: "I also feel that I must not let down the players behind me. Until the day of my discharge, I want to give my best in every single match and perform well."

Through this match, Park Cheol-woo also achieved a meaningful record of 100 career appearances in K League 1. He shared his thoughts: "I'm very happy. I spent my debut season in K League 2 as well. That's why I understand the romance and gratitude associated with K League 1 well. Because I know that feeling so well, I feel even happier and more grateful."

Park Cheol-woo's next goal is a home victory. Gimcheon has not yet secured a win at home this season. Thinking of the fans, their hearts must be heavy.

Park Cheol-woo confessed: "I try not to think of it as a jinx, but since we keep having situations without wins, I even feel like I should pray. That's why I want to break it quickly."

He further emphasized: "There are many home matches this month, and there will be many games in August too. Honestly, I want to get at least one home win before the end of this month."

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*This content was translated by AI.