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Gwangju FC's Choi Kyung-rok - "I plan to be more ambitious this year"

After completing his “warm-up,” Gwangju FC midfielder Choi Kyung-rok is ready to take on K League 1. Choi, who spent 10 years playing in Germany, made his K League debut last year wearing the Gwangju FC jersey but says he's aiming for more in 2025.

Reuniting with his university coach Lee Jung-hyo, Choi featured in 34 matches in his first season, scoring three goals and providing two assists. Known for his tireless movement, he played a key role in driving Gwangju’s attack and offered valuable advice to younger players as a seasoned professional with overseas experience.

Building on his contributions both on and off the pitch, Choi has renewed his contract with Gwangju and is gearing up for another season. Reflecting on last year, Choi said: “It was a decent first step, but far from a satisfying season. While I’m pleased to have played the entire season without injury, I know there’s still a long way to go.”

Having established himself as a key player in his first K League season, Choi remarked: “The level of individual skill of the players is exceptional, and I could see why the K League is considered one of the top leagues in Asia. I thought it might be difficult to adjust after spending so long overseas, but the energy of communicating in the same language was different. I wanted to showcase my experience abroad, and I think I succeeded to some extent.”

Choi identified improving his ability to contribute to the attack as an area to work on: “As a forward, I need to create more attacking points to help the team. This season, I aim to be more productive and to balance the selfless play I’ve shown with a more assertive approach.”

[READ: Ahn Young-kyu on relinquishing the captaincy]


Q&A with Choi Kyung-rok

  • 2024 was a season of new experiences for you. How was it?
    In many ways, it felt like everything was new, as it was my first time in the K League. What stood out the most was the weather. The summer heat was really tough! (laughs)

  • It sounds like managing your fitness was challenging.
    I learned and felt a lot about that aspect. I’m already a bit apprehensive about the upcoming summer, but I’ll prepare well.

  • How would you evaluate your performance last season?
    It was a decent first step, but by no means was it a satisfying season. If I had to rate it, I’d give myself 40 out of 100. I believe there’s more I can contribute to the team based on my abilities. However, I’m happy to have played around 40 matches without injury and grateful to the manager for trusting and utilising me consistently.

  • What are your thoughts on challenging yourself in a new league?
    I realised it’s a very competitive league and could see why it’s one of the top leagues in Asia. Teams with many foreign players were especially threatening, and the individual skills of the players stood out. I thought it might be hard to adapt after so much time abroad, but the energy of communicating in the same language was completely different. My teammates were incredibly supportive, and I’m glad I was able to show the experience I gained overseas.

  • Do you think you’ve showcased your strengths in the K League?
    I feel there’s still a lot to improve. While I showed some good moments, there were areas where I could’ve performed better. As a forward, I need to create more attacking opportunities for the team. I also believe I have the ability to take on and beat opponents one-on-one, so I’ll focus on maximising those strengths to help the team.

  • Your unselfish play last season stood out. Will you take a different approach this year?
    I plan to be more ambitious this year. Of course, the ultimate goal in every match is to win, so I’ll continue with unselfish play. However, I also want to show more, create chances in one-on-one situations, and contribute more directly.

  • What was it like reuniting with manager Lee Jung-hyo?
    Both as a footballer and as a person, I’ve learned so much from him. His attitude, his manner, and his approach to football – I’ve grown a lot in all areas.

  • He’s known for being a tough and outspoken manager during matches.
    We’re often surprised ourselves! (laughs) It can be tough to take criticism, but he’s genuine. His pure passion for football inspires innovative ideas, and that’s why I have so much respect for him. He doesn’t criticise out of negativity but rather out of a desire to improve. Thanks to him, I’ve grown both as a footballer and as a person.

  • How would you describe Gwangju’s style of football?
    It was fun, though not without its ups and downs. We started the season with a winning run, then went through a six-match losing streak, and eventually found our footing again. The process was enjoyable, but it’s disappointing that the results didn’t always follow. The manager is working hard to turn that process into better outcomes.

  • What are your goals for this season?
    I want to win more matches and rack up goal contributions. My goal is to surpass last season’s numbers. Avoiding injuries is a given, and I’ll focus on fitness and preparation. During my time in Germany, injuries were a setback, so I’ve learned the importance of stretching and yoga for conditioning. I’ll take good care of myself and work hard to achieve better results.

  • Do you have a message for the fans?
    Thanks to your support, we were able to achieve some success, even if the results weren’t entirely satisfying. We gained so much strength from your encouragement. I’m happy to play in front of you again, and I’ll do my best to deliver better results this year.

Via Gwangju FC press release

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