A ‘Passionate Supporter’ of Women’s Soccer who Passed Away Two Years Ago… Hyundai Steel Remembers Him

Captain Kim Hye-ri “I was really grateful… I will do my best to ensure that you are comfortable in heaven.”

Kim Hye-ri, captain of Incheon Hyundai Steel in the women's professional soccer WK League, remembers the late Kang Seok-kyung.

Mr. Kang passed away two years ago after a battle with illness.

He was 39 years old.

The 12th, when the opening media day of the ‘Dibellon WK League 2024’ was held, was the anniversary of his death.

So Kim Hye-ri wanted to bring up Kang’s story at the scene. 바카라사이트

However, questions related to league management were directed at each team manager.

Hye-ri Kim could hardly hold the microphone.

When Kim Hye-ri said, "I was so thankful for his presence," and told a story she couldn't tell.

Mr. Kang was an ‘ardent supporter’ of Hyundai Steel.

He followed Hyundai Steel since the early 2000s before the launch of the WK League.

Before the regional connection system was established, he traveled to distant regions to see Hyundai Steel fighting.

He devoted over 15 years to supporting Hyundai Steel before suddenly suffering from illness in 2018.

Ms. Kang became interested in women's soccer because she liked coach Lee Mi-yeon, Moon Kyung-sang, who played for Hyundai Steel.

Above all, he became famous in the women's soccer world with 'Cheering Alone'.

Mr. Kang, who visited the WK League stadium with few spectators, tried to lift the mood in the chilly stadium by playing the drum he had prepared and singing a song.

Kim Hye-ri, who wore the Hyundai Steel uniform in 2014, said, "I was a fan who was more reliable than anyone else. I am truly grateful.

Even if I leave Hyundai Steel, I will never forget that feeling."

There is a reason why Kang adopted this attention-grabbing cheering method.

This is a method devised by Lim Seong-yoon, who together with Mr. Kang formed a group called ‘Yo-chuk Robbers’ and led the support in the early days of the WK League.

Mr. Lim, who passionately supported Chungbuk Sports Toto (now Sejong Sports Toto), reflected, "The intention was to show that there are people who support women's soccer, not just sit and clap."

Mr. Lim said, "This kind of support began to spread little by little, and broadcasters caught us on camera.

I thought that if the existence of women's soccer was exposed in this way, the number of spectators would increase at least a little."

Mr. Lim remembers Mr. Kang as being very shy.

He said that at first, he was hesitant and couldn't even express his voice well.

However, even when his cheering comrades left one by one due to low popularity, Mr. Kang continued to remain at the scene.

With the grandiose purpose of 'stealing people's hearts with women's soccer,' Kang and his group, who gave themselves the somewhat extreme name 'Robbers', also began promoting the league by producing podcasts.

But it is not active now.

Mr. Kang was also a person who personally experienced the difficulties of the time when the league was developing slowly.

Mr. Lim reflected, "Previously, the WK League tried to attract spectators by recommending prizes, etc.

At Boeun Sports Complex, which was a neutral stadium before the nepotism system, many people from Boeun County came from each township, and they used the soccer field as if it were a neighborhood party."

He said, "No matter how much we cheered, there was no one to cheer and be happy with.

A goal was scored, but no one was interested, and there was no one to clap with."

The WK League is developing, albeit slowly.

The regional nepotism system was introduced in earnest in 2015.

The free spectator policy, which has led to complaints that 'audiences who are not interested in soccer are coming', also appears to be changing little by little.

Suwon FC has been accepting paid spectators since 2022 under the pretext of developing women's soccer and improving the viewing environment.

Suwon FC coach Park Gil-young also said on the day, "When it was a free audience, the fans would leave halfway through.

When it was a paid audience, it felt like playing with the fans."

He added, "The paid spectator policy should be spread so that everyone can take responsibility and try to play a better game" issued.

Hyundai Steel players reportedly discussed how to honor Kang when they win this season.

Kim Hye-ri said, “From now on, whenever he wins every year, I think it would be nice to prepare a T-shirt or a hat to take care of (Kang Seok-kyung),” and added, “A lot of players who knew him came out.

But the players who know him still tell each other how grateful they are until recently.” said.

She added: "The first thing is that we have to play better football so that he can watch comfortably in heaven."

Hyundai Steel, which has won the championship trophy since 2013, will achieve its 12th consecutive victory if it wins the 2024 season.