A new star has emerged at Chungbuk Cheongju FC. The protagonist is Hong Seok-jun (21, Chungbuk Cheongju FC), who scored his debut goal.
Chungbuk Cheongju drew 2-2 with Jeonnam Dragons after scoring two goals first in the Hana Bank K League 2 2025 Round 18 held at Cheongju Sports Complex on the 29th. 13th placed Chungbuk Cheongju (3 wins, 5 draws, 10 losses, 14 points) extended their winless streak to nine matches. 4th placed Jeonnam (8 wins, 7 draws, 3 losses, 31 points) has been winless for four games.
Although Chungbuk Cheongju missed a victory, there were gains. Hong Seok-jun, who started, exploded with potential by scoring the opening goal in just 15 minutes into the first half.
In the 15th minute of the first half, Lee Seung-jae received a long pass from Bandeavelt and connected it with a right-footed shot. The goalkeeper barely parried the ball, which Hong Seok-jun, rushing in, pushed into the net for the opening goal. It was a goal that highlighted Hong Seok-jun's explosive speed and positioning.
Chungbuk Cheongju took the lead 2-0 with a splendid free kick goal from Choi Kang-min in the second half. However, they were unfortunately held to a 2-2 draw after conceding goals to Hanam and Go Tae-won. Go Tae-won scored a dramatic equalizer with just five minutes left in stoppage time.
Although Chungbuk Cheongju did not win, they discovered a treasure in Hong Seok-jun. Hong Seok-jun, who was recruited by Chungbuk Cheongju in the summer transfer market on the 2nd, scored his debut goal just four matches into his professional debut.
In a post-match interview, Hong Seok-jun said, "I’m so happy to have scored my debut goal that I can’t remember very well. The goalkeeper parried the ball, so I thought about rushing in for the second ball," as he smiled.
Hong Seok-jun, who wants to resemble Um Won-sang, has exceptional speed. His debut goal was also scored with tremendous speed. He stated, "My strength is speed. My advantage is that I can react faster than others to steal the ball. The older players advised me to be responsible and taught me detailed movements," giving credit to his seniors.
Hong Seok-jun, who was the captain of Cheongju University, is also significant in playing for Chungbuk Cheongju. He participated in 32 matches over three seasons in the university football league, scoring three goals. This year, as the captain of Cheongju University, he led the team to a third-place finish in the Spring University Football Federation Tournament, receiving the best player award.
Hong Seok-jun expressed joy, saying, "I have built connections with Cheongju since my time at Cheongju University. It is even more meaningful to come to Chungbuk Cheongju. I am grateful to be able to train with the older players, and there is much to learn."
At 175 cm and 70 kg, Hong Seok-jun is an attacking resource who can target the opponent's back space with his quick feet. Being a U22 player also broadens the selection of players for Chungbuk Cheongju.
Hong Seok-jun asserted, "The team’s goals take precedence over individual goals. I haven’t won yet while playing. I will work harder so that we can win quickly. I want to resemble players like Um Won-sang (26, Ulsan) or Kim In-kyun (27, Daejeon), who graduated from Cheongju University," painting a bright future.
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