Interview: Daegu FC's Ko Jaehyun

The Korean Football Association officially announced the 21-man squad for FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland in late May where the Taeguk Warriors will meet Portugal, South Africa and Argentina in turn. Among them, there is young Daegu FC attacker Ko Jaehyun, who was born and raised in Daegu. K League United Daegu FC Correspondent Muyeol Jung met Ko Jaehyun to listen to his experiences and thoughts ahead of the forthcoming competition.
(image by Muyeol Jung)


Profile: Ko Jaehyun
-D.O.B: 05.03.1999
-Height/Weight: 180cm/67kg
-Numbers: 13 (National Team), 26 (Daegu FC)
-Position: central midfield, attacking midfield

Ko Jaehyun in action against Pohang Steelers in 2019

Muyeol Jung: You recently made the first appearance in K League this season. How has that been for you?

Jaehyun Ko: I have tried to stay match-fit with training, and I then finally had a chance to earn some minutes as a substitute for the first time in a while. We were able to beat Pohang 3-0 thanks to massive help from the regular players, it was a bit hard and quite tough for me to play with them after it had been a while, though.

MYJ: You are a local lad, born and raised in Daegu and now you are playing for Daegu FC after graduation. How does it feel to represent your hometown club?

JHK: I am really proud of it and it has a huge meaning for me as I started my football career in Daegu and playing for the local team.

Ko Jaehyun(R) in action against Sangju Sangmu in 2018

MYJ: Despite the fact you took your first step into the professional football just  last year at the age of 20, you featured in 12 K League games and laid on one assist. What are the qualities which manager Andre has confidence in you for?

JHK: Personally, putting aside from my individual ability, I think I was lucky. Particularly, the first half of last season was the worst, and I think that’s why young players including myself were given many chances to play. However, this season, our regular players are doing brilliantly, I need to keep fighting for a spot with them.

MYJ: This is your second season for Daegu, looking back, what aspects do you think you need to improve on in order to compete in professional-level football?

JHK: I always feel that I need to adapt to pacey tempo at this level. Also, I need to develop more physicality.

MYJ: You are currently preparing for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland. However, you must have mixed feelings because of Daegu FC teammate Lim Jaehyuk, who had been always with you in National Team and Daegu FC, hasn’t been included.

JHK: I feel very sorry for him. He is my best mate in Daegu FC as well as in the National Team. For him I need to make more effort and try my best.

MYJ: A lot of Daegu fans were delighted and really enjoyed the moment when Jo Hyeonwoo played for the Korean National Team in the World Cup whilst representing Daegu FC. For this 2019 U20 World Cup, you are doing the same thing, how are you feeling and what’s your goal?

JHK: Thanks to Jo Hyeonwoo, who delivered top class performances, Daegu FC were able to draw a lot of attention from the public and the club now has a nationwide reputation. I want make that happen again after the U20 World Cup.