'Shaving head for final farewell': Kangwon's Song Jun-seok holds send-off match before enlistment... Coach Jeong Kyung-ho: "It's regrettable, but we must see him off on a good note" [Gangneung]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kangwon FC defender Song Jun-seok (25) will play his final match before enlistment.

On the 1st, Kangwon will face Bucheon FC in a Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 21 home game at GangneungHigh1 Resort Arena.

Today's match marks Song Jun-seok's final appearance in a Kangwon jersey before his military service. A regular starter for Kangwon, Song is set to enlist in the Armed Forces Police Corps on the 3rd and will fulfill his national defense obligations for one year and six months while continuing his athletic career.

Song made his professional debut with Kangwon in 2021. During the 2023 season, he spent time on loan at Gimpo FC, then a K League 2 club, before returning to Kangwon where he grew into a key player.

In the 2024 season, he appeared in 22 league matches and contributed to Kangwon's runner-up finish. Even under Coach Jeong Kyung-ho, who took charge from 2025 onward, Song maintained his starting position. After playing 24 games last season, he has featured in 15 matches this season.

On July 4, during an away match against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, he scored the team's first goal of the season with a spectacular free kick.

With enlistment approaching, Song Jun-seok appeared at the stadium with closely cropped hair. Coach Jeong Kyung-ho expressed both regret and pride as his rapidly maturing player prepares to join the military.

Before the match, Coach Jeong said, "Song Jun-seok came in with a shaved head. I joined Kangwon in 2023, and Song returned from loan in 2024. At that time, he showed some immaturity and had areas to develop. However, during our time together, he has grown tremendously. This enlistment is also a positive step forward."

He continued, "Song Jun-seok contributes greatly to Kangwon. He displays high energy levels and tenaciously marks his opponents. It's regrettable, but I want him to conclude this final farewell match well and be sent off to the military on a good note," expressing his affection for the player.

A fierce competition is expected to unfold for Song Jun-seok's former left full-back position. Candidates include national team veteran Hong Cheol, Kim Do-hyun, and recently signed Swedish defender Karim.

Coach Jeong emphasized, "That position remains competitive. Hong Cheol is in a competitive spot, as are Kim Do-hyun and Karim. Our team must foster synergy through competition among players. We will intensify the competition and make a decision once the evaluation is clear."

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*This content was translated by AI.