'It finally broke out after a full 11 months,' Kim Geon-hee confessed honestly, 'I even felt chest pain while sleeping... I was so sorry.' [Anyang Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

It took nearly a full year. Striker Kim Geon-hee (31, Kangwon FC), who finally lit up the scoring machine and led his team to a decisive victory, has now lifted some of the mental burden he had been carrying.

On the 6th, in an away match against FC Anyang at Anyang Stadium during the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 27, Kim Geon-hee scored a crucial header in the 9th minute of the second half, contributing to Kangwon's 3-0 victory. This was his first goal of the season after 19 matches and marks his first league goal in approximately 11 months since last October against FC Seoul.

In an interview at the mixed zone after the match, Kim Geon-hee explained his post-goal gesture of bowing with hands clasped toward away fans: 'I felt so sorry to the fans that I couldn't even face them. As a striker, it was embarrassing that I finally scored my first goal this late.' He added, 'As a senior player on the team, I should have led the squad not only through attacking but also through performance and results, but I failed to do so, which left me feeling discouraged. Still, thanks to the fans who always cheered with smiles, I was able to endure.'

He also opened up about the emotional struggles he had endured. Kim Geon-hee said, 'During winter training friendlies, goals were coming easily, so I never expected it would take this long. As silence continued, the psychological pressure became immense.' He recalled, 'The stress was so great that I couldn't even sleep properly. There were times when I woke up from chest pain while sleeping — those were truly difficult moments.'

Another factor in his slump was his inability to adapt to the team's tactical changes. Early in the season, Kangwon relied heavily on intense high pressing as their main weapon. Kim Geon-hee explained, 'Honestly, I am not the type who can continuously press like Choi Byung-chan or Ko Young-jun.' He added, 'During the first-half data meeting, it was revealed that those two players' pressing stats ranked number one globally. That style simply didn't fit me. In trying to keep up, I ended up missing shooting opportunities and only exposing my weaknesses.'

The tactical shift implemented by head coach Jeong Kyung-ho that day became a turning point for Kim Geon-hee's resurgence. Due to player shortages, Coach Jeong lowered the defensive line and instructed Kim Geon-hee to focus on ball retention and link-up play.

Kim Geon-hee said, 'The coach showed consideration by tailoring my role to highlight my strengths. Instead of constant high pressing, I could concentrate on defending when the ball came to me and fighting for possession, which made playing much easier.' He continued, 'After the match, I was called into the coach's office and felt quite confused. The coach took significant criticism for selecting me, and I felt deeply sorry. But I am grateful that he trusted me.'

He also expressed satisfaction at breaking the jinx against Anyang. Kim Geon-hee added, 'The coach was hurt by our draw in the previous match against Anyang, and the team's situation was not easy due to injuries and player suspensions. I am glad we secured a victory at this crucial moment and could contribute to the team.'

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.