“I don’t think I’m that young anymore, so I’ll definitely grab the opportunity when it comes.”
Heo Kang-jun (22), a ‘born-to-be defender’ who was considered a promising football player from the Daegu area. His ambitions showed his strength and passion that overcame the ups and downs of the past.
Heo Kang-jun, who was named on the list of recruits for Gangwon FC in 2021, unfortunately did not make his professional debut. However, he did not give in and showed his potential with his solid physique of 188 cm and 80 kg and his fast speed, leading the defense smoothly and building up steadily, and on the 25th, he received a call from Jeju United and got another chance.
Born in Daegu, Heo Kang-jun entered football through Kim Gwang-seok Football Club in the 5th grade of Chilgok Elementary School, then played for Musan Middle School in Gyeongju and Yuseong Life Science High School in Daejeon before playing in 18 K4 (4th division) games as a member of Gangwon B Team. Afterwards, he went to Daegu Arts University to develop his skills, but when the soccer team was disbanded, he chose to advance to Seoul Full Gospel Theological Seminary (hereinafter Full Gospel University).
Heo Kang-jun thought of Coach Kang Young-hwan, whom he met here, as his benefactor. When asked why, he said, “After leaving the pro team, I prepared hard for two years in college, but there were many difficult times to the point where I thought about quitting soccer.” He continued, “During that difficult time, I got to know Coach Kang Young-hwan, and through the coach’s positive guidance and practical teachings, I began to see a path that I had not seen before, and I was able to move forward step by step again.” He expressed his deep respect. Heo
Kang-jun said that the reason his pro debut at Gangwon FC was difficult was because he “took on the challenge at such a young age that he did not know how to take care of himself,” and “I was greatly influenced by the environment around him.” He continued, “I think I am not that young anymore, so I will quietly prepare and do my best so that I can seize the opportunity when it comes.”
Heo Kang-jun, who played on the college stage until recently, said, “After transferring to Jeju United, I’m focusing on adapting to natural grass and growing more physically,” and “I’m working hard to help the team.” Finally,
he expressed his affection by saying, “I was able to stand up again thanks to the sincere guidance of Coach Kang Young-hwan and the full support of the Soonbokgum University staff,” and “I want to definitely express my gratitude to Coach Kang Young-hwan, the Soonbokgum University staff, coaches, and teammates.”
Meanwhile, Heo Kang-jun led the team to victory with a header goal in the finals of the 2019 Geumseok Cup National High School Football Tournament, and in 2020, he won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after experiencing two consecutive championships. After entering college in 2022, he contributed to the undefeated victory of the Baekdudaegan Cup in the 58th Autumn University Football Federation
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