'Center-back transforms into 15-goal bomber' Kim Jae-hoon leads the 'Jeju Daegigo High School storm' with "O Hyeon-gyu's power + resembles Ronaldo's mentality" [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Jeju Daegigo High School's soccer team has undergone a complete transformation. Just three years ago, the team faced dissolution with only 12 members, but this year it secured an undefeated championship (7 wins, 1 draw) in the Jeju region of the high school soccer league, emerging as a regional powerhouse. At the center of this is third-year student Kim Jae-hoon (18), who serves as both team captain and forward.

Kim Jae-hoon is a living witness to Daegigo High School's reconstruction. When Coach Kang Min-kyu took charge in January 2024, the team stood on the brink of existence. Despite having the ability to easily transfer elsewhere, he chose to stay with the team. Kim Jae-hoon recalled, "I had opportunities to join other good teams, but Coach Kang's training style suited me well." He added, "Seeing him communicate openly with players rather than issuing one-sided commands gave me confidence that my skills would definitely develop here."

Under Coach Kang's firm belief, Kim Jae-hoon grew dramatically. Especially effective was his position change from center-back to forward in February this year, a result of Coach Kang actively accepting advice from opposing team coach Kim Hyun-seong. In a recent meeting with 'StarNews' at the Jeju Daegigo High School gymnasium, Kim Jae-hoon expressed confidence: "Although I am not particularly tall at 176cm, I have confidence in my physical ability and elasticity, so I never get pushed back even in battles against much larger defenders." This was proven by his explosive scoring power of 15 goals in 13 games this season.

His exceptional physical abilities stem from diverse sports experiences. He took up swimming and taekwondo during elementary school, then started playing soccer as a hobby in sixth grade before fully entering the elite athlete path in first year of middle school. Although he started relatively late, he rapidly improved his skills. Kim Jae-hoon explained, "I haven't been playing as a forward for long yet, so I lack precision and composure inside the box, but I am working to eliminate these weaknesses through repeated shooting training with my coach."

Who is his role model that aligns with his playing style? Kim Jae-hoon said, "I think my style, which prefers powerful breakthroughs over flashy individual skills, is similar to O Hyeon-gyu (Besiktas) player. I want to further refine my powerful and direct breakthrough ability." Among overseas players, he cited Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), emphasizing, "I definitely want to emulate his mindset of striving for the top and his rigorous body management abilities."

His gentle leadership as captain also stands out. Kim Jae-hoon, who values communication both on and off the field, explained, "On the field, I focus on technical and tactical aspects, while off the field, I emphasize 'let's become one and live closely together.'" He added, "Although there were awkward moments this year when new players joined, we focused on building a 'one-team' atmosphere by eating meals together and bonding."

He has not forgotten his gratitude toward Coach Kang, who is both his mentor and benefactor. Calling him a "parent-like figure," he revealed deep trust and respect. Kim Jae-hoon said, "Coach never scolds me even when I make mistakes during games, but when I show no will despite having the ability to do better, he points it out more strictly than anyone else." He continued, "Even if it means personal loss for himself, he takes extra care of players and creates programs overnight to provide separate training—a true teacher."

He further added, "Not only did he provide feedback on areas lacking during games, but he also greatly helped me with mental aspects outside of soccer. Among all the people I've met, he is the most sincere about soccer. I have never seen him sit at the training ground regardless of hot or cold weather."

In the past decade, Daegigo High School, once an easily crumbling "weak team," has transformed into a solid powerhouse that does not easily yield even on the national stage through the joint growth of teacher and student. Now, Daegigo High School will participate in the 'National High School Soccer League King of Kings Tournament' next month for the first time in the school's history.

At the end of the interview, Kim Jae-hoon's gaze was already directed toward even higher goals. "My personal first goal is to reach 20 goals this season, and as a team, we are aiming for a semi-final spot in the King of Kings Tournament. In the future, I will become an excellent professional player who brings joy to fans and takes responsibility."

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*This content was translated by AI.