“I want to be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day.”
Pohang Steelers midfielder Kim Jun-ho, 22, came on as a 28th-minute substitute in the second half of the team’s 1-0 home win over Jeonbuk Hyundai in the 15th round of the Hana OneQ K League 1 2023 at Pohang Steelyard on Sept. 29. With 27 points, Pohang remained in fourth place, but moved back into a tie on points with second-place FC Seoul and third-place Jeju United.
Kim Jun-ho came off the bench at the last minute. He replaced Ko Young-joon, who scored the game’s first goal in the 21st minute of the second half, after he pulled out with a sore calf muscle. His main position is central midfield, but he moved up one spot. He was given more offensive duties. In the post-match mixer, Kim Jun-ho said, “Young-joon played because his brother got injured unexpectedly. It’s not like he wasn’t playing in that spot,” he said, adding, “When I got the ball, I was ordered to give it to the side and try to take as many shots as possible.”
On one occasion, Kim threatened the Jeonbuk defense with a thunderous mid-range shot that was saved by Jeonbuk goalkeeper Kim Jung-hoon. “After I actually shot it, I thought, ‘That’s it,’ but the goalkeeper blocked it so well. I could see the serenade in my head,” he laughed, then added, “That’s why I was more disappointed. I always memorize the serenade, but I don’t tell (my teammates) because I want to show them first,” he said, revealing that he is preparing a secret serenade.
Especially on this day, it was the club’s 50th anniversary match. Many legends visited the Pohang Steel Yard. “I was an elementary school student at the 40th anniversary, and I remember Pohang winning. (The Hall of Fame inductees) are all great people. My father is also an inductee. One day, I would like to enter the Hall of Fame as well,” he said encouragingly.
Kim Jun-ho’s “call name” is “Kim Jun-ho, No. 66, born to No. 6. The name comes from the fact that his father, Pohang coach Kim Ki-dong, wore No. 6 during his playing days, and Kim Jun-ho’s number is No. 66. “I think it’s really good. I’m sure the coach knows (the nickname) and will be satisfied,” he smiled.
He’s been getting more and more playing time, but he still has a long way to go. “As an U-22 player, I need to improve and contribute to the team,” said Kim, who was born in 2002. “I lack a lot of instantaneous speed. I also need to work harder. My goal is to play like this every game. I also want to score about five offensive points, and since I’m a midfielder, I think one goal will be enough, and I want to provide a lot of assists.”메이저놀이터
On the field and on the training ground, Kim is a coach, but he is also the father of Kim Jun-ho. Football is inseparable between them. “The coach told me I did well against Gangwon FC,” says Kim. In the FA Cup against Seongnam FC, I did worse than against Gangwon. I think I will get better as I continue to play,” he said, adding, “The coach gives me feedback when I go home. That’s why I try not to go home much,” he chuckled.