It is becoming the best choice for Suwon Samsung coach Byun Sung-hwan. This is the story of Kim Ji-ho, who was born in 2003, in his second month as a pro.
Suwon won 2-1 at home against FC Anyang in the 26th round of Hana Bank K League 2 2024 at Yongin Mir Stadium on the 12th.
It is a meaningful victory. Under coach Byun Sung-hwan, who has led the team in earnest since June, he continued his winning streak with four wins and six draws in 10 games, and tied with South Chungcheong Province Asan (37 points) in fourth place, raising hopes for promotion.
In addition, he won the first game at Yongin Mir Stadium, which was held while moving the nest to a temporary residence starting this month, announcing a pleasant start.
Kim Ji-ho scored the first goal of the first match held at Yongin Mir Stadium. In the 43rd minute of the first half, Mylat’s shot from the left side floated high after hitting the defense during Suwon’s counterattack, and Kim Ji-ho calmly connected with the shot to score the first goal. After scoring, Kim Ji-ho roared with joy with his teammates.
Shortly after the second half, he even scored an assist. In the fourth minute of the second half, Milat’s cross from the left side overcame a competition inside the box to win possession. He passed the ball with his chest, and Mulic converted a volley to score an additional goal.
Kim Ji-ho joined Suwon through the transfer market this summer. After growing up in Poongsaeng Middle School and Poongsaeng High School, he played for Yongin City Football Center under the age of 18. After going to Korea University in 2022 and living until the third grade, he ended up wearing the Suwon uniform due to coach Byun Sung-hwan’s courtship.
Kim Ji-ho, who is in his second month of joining the team, immediately burst into full potential. He joined the pro league as a substitute in the second half of the match against Cheonan City on June 12, and continued to receive opportunities. Then, he led his team’s 3-0 victory with two goals and one assist at the match against Bucheon FC 1995. He also scored attack points in this match, posting three goals and two assists in five matches, the highest number of attack points under the coach Byun Sung-hwan.
After the game, Kim Ji-ho said, “Starting with the match against Anyang today, I have a schedule with Jeonnam Dragons and Seoul E-Land. I played with the idea of narrowing the gap by catching the top teams, but I’m glad I scored an attack point with the victory.” 먹튀검증
“I’m not normally very nervous. Still, I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to be here,” he said in a second interview with Su-hoon.
Kim Ji-ho scored the first goal and first assist in the first match held at Yongin Mir Stadium, his temporary residence. Manager Byun Sung-hwan also welcomed Kim’s performance. “I knew (Kim Ji-ho) would do well. I have known him since he was seven years old. I have seen how he grows. After taking office, I thought that I needed a striker who fits my tactics, so I sent a love call to him. He accepted so willingly. We didn’t have much time to talk after Ji-ho joined the team, but since we know each other well, the player played for me, and I came to give him a chance. He was so good.”
In response, Kim Ji-ho said, “Originally, the wing forward was the main position, but he even played as a central midfielder while going through college. I had a great desire to play on the side. I thought I would have a chance again, but I had a chance to play in the position I wanted again.”
“I first met him when I was in elementary school. I was overwhelmed by his sunglasses on. He has extraordinary charisma and ability to handle a team. I learned a lot from him football and tactical. I think he is a good fit for me. He is the best leader.”
Regarding the transfer to Suwon, he said, “The coach called me personally. I asked if he would like to join me. I understand without any hesitation.” His goal was to play in the professional league. “My goal is to play in the professional league among all elementary, middle, and high school students, and it was great to be able to achieve this goal,” he said. “(Coach Byeon Sung-hwan said earlier that Kim Ji-ho accepted his offer despite unsatisfactory contract conditions.) He did not pay attention to other parts other than soccer, such as money and contract period. I am just happy to be able to play soccer.”
Turning around the situation, he said, “I believed in Mulic,” adding, “It was one of the team tactics that rushed into the box. Luckily, the ball came, but I was able to save it. Mulic in front appealed for a pass. I gave it to Mulic with confidence in his volley shooting ability, and it was a perfect goal.”
When asked why he scored the first goal in the first game of Yongin Mir Stadium, he said, “Everyone says Yongin is my hometown. I was able to score because I was from the Singal Football Center,” adding, “I was able to score because of the help of my team members. I’m glad that I can contribute to the team with such a goal.”
In an interview with SportsNius recently, Kim said, “I can’t believe I’ve become a professional because my salary hasn’t arrived yet.” Now, I’ve received my first salary and allowance. “I feel real as a professional. I’m so happy that I got the allowance. I’m going to have a good restaurant with my parents tomorrow,” Kim said. “I bought coffee to express gratitude to my colleagues after scoring two goals and one assist against Bucheon. So they all disappeared.”
Asked by reporters whether he would buy another coffee from his colleagues when he said, “He did a good job today, but I don’t think it will be easy twice,” he smiled.