“It finally broke through after a full six months”... “I’m grateful for believing in me to the end, even as a striker who couldn’t score” — Kim Woon sheds his mental burden [Anyang on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Kim Woon (31, FC Anyang), known as the “Jubilo Iwata specialist,” bowed his head in regret that he could not preserve his team’s victory despite a refreshing goal that came after roughly six months of drought.

Anyang drew 1-1 against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in their home match on the 24th at Anyang Comprehensive Sports Complex, in Round 33 of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 season.

Starting as the lone striker up front, Kim Woon scored the opening goal with a fantastic right-footed shot during stoppage time in the first half, but the team conceded an equalizer during stoppage time in the second half, slipping away from a victory that was nearly secured.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the match, Kim Woon said, “The previous match against Pohang was a crucial game that would determine our advancement to the upper split, and I felt deeply sorry toward the fans for failing to secure three points.” He continued, “Today we had the chance to score and win, but conceding in the final moments resulted in a draw, which is incredibly disappointing.”

It was a powerful strike that broke his prolonged goal-scoring silence. Kim Woon, who found the back of the net for the first time in about six months since his goal against Gwangju FC in April, reflected on the scoring scene: “While we were applying pressure in the defensive area, the ball went to Matheus. There was space open in front of Matheus, so I feinted a turn and cut inside, and he threaded an incredible pass.” He added, “I put my full weight into it as I fell over to strike the ball. Goalkeepers in K League 1 have such outstanding saving abilities that if you don’t hit it perfectly, it doesn’t go in. Because I was falling while shooting, I didn’t actually see the moment the ball went in, but when I got up, a roar erupted from the stands, so I knew it was a goal.”

With this goal, Kim Woon has recorded three goals and four assists in the league this season. Coincidentally, two of his three goals this season have come against Jeonbuk. Following his one goal against Gwangju in April, he is particularly showcasing a strong performance against the big fish, Jeonbuk. On this point, Kim Woon smiled and said, “I deliberately tell myself that I am strong against Jeonbuk.” He added, “Every player has their own jinx, but I try to carry positive memories and momentum in my mind as much as possible when entering matches.”

He also shared his thoughts on the team atmosphere, which could have easily fallen apart immediately after failing to advance to the Final A. Kim Woon said, “It is true that we were disappointed because the upper split, which had been our goal since winter training, was thwarted, but the players did not waver.” He emphasized, “The coach gave us new motivation by saying that since we finished 8th last year, let’s finish 7th this year. We must do our best to the fullest of our abilities.”

He also opened up about the mental strain he endured as a striker who had been silent for a long period. Kim Woon said, “I felt most sorry and grateful to the fans who believed in and supported me to the end, even though I was a striker who couldn’t score.” He continued, “I am sincerely grateful to the coach and coaching staff who constantly researched and taught us good movements and solutions. Taking today as an opportunity, I want to score more goals in the remaining matches.”

He set a goal of 10 attacking points for the remainder of the season. Kim Woon said, “I think that if I record double-digit attacking points on the K League 1 stage, it will be recognized as competitiveness as a striker.” He added, “Goals are best, but since we have Matheus, who solves things perfectly even with casual passes, I can also fill up points with assists. I will learn a lot from Matheus and definitely achieve 10 points in the remaining matches.”

He also revealed a special behind-the-scenes story before the match. Kim Woon said, “The day before the match, my senior, senior player Joo Hyun-woo, generously offered to let me stay at his house to take care of my condition, even though it was his wife’s birthday.” He stated, “He told me that I had a big burden and had to score today no matter what, and I want to convey my gratitude to him.”

Following this, Kim Woon earnestly requested that the following words be included in the article, expressing his deep affection for his wife. Kim Woon said, “I am truly grateful to my wife who has supported me from behind, allowing me to focus solely on training both materially and mentally.” He expressed his thanks by adding, “Thanks to my wife, I was able to score today.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original