Wolverhampton (England) forward Hwang Hee chan, who leads the South Korean national soccer team up front, has a special place in his heart for the city of Bucheon.
He was born in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, but has lived in Bucheon since elementary school. His family home is also in Bucheon.
On the afternoon of the 22nd, Hwang Hee-chan held the ‘Hwang Hee-chan Football Festival’ on the lawn in front of Bucheon City Hall to show his gratitude for the support he received from the citizens of Bucheon.
Despite the pouring rain, about 2,000 fans visited the plaza, demonstrating the popularity of the soccer star.
“I’m so happy that we were able to hold such a big festival in Bucheon City,” said Hwang Hee-chan, who met with the press while fans in raincoats looked on. I will try to have a good time with as many citizens as possible,” he said.
“Even though I am a professional soccer player, I don’t think I am that special,” he said, “I am the same person. So I want to be with the fans a little bit and share a good time with them,” he added.
Hwang is known for his fan service among national team players.
Earlier this month, Hwang led the national team’s open training session at Goyang Sports Complex.
At the end of a raffle organized by the Korea Football Association, Hwang took the microphone.
“Do you want Son Heung-min’s training jersey?” he shouted provocatively, and the fans responded with loud cheers. Son Heung-min hesitated, looking embarrassed, and eventually took off his training jersey to give it away.
“I want to show more of that human side of myself,” Hwang said, “I want to communicate with my fans as much as possible, so if you support me, I will get closer to you.”
On the day, Hwang also met with fans on the field as a futsal player alongside Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City) and Lee Jin-hyun (Pushcha Niepołomice).
“I think it’s easier for me to teach younger people (than the show’s cast),” said Hwang, who recently appeared on SBS TV’s “Running Man” and worked with the cast.
In fact, many children showed up at the square wearing Hwang’s jersey.
“When I was younger, I also dreamed of becoming a great player like him after watching national team players and my older brothers playing in the K League,” Hwang said, adding, “Many of my younger friends came today, and I would be very happy if they could see me and develop their dreams like that.”
At a gallery in the Bucheon Art Center adjacent to the square, Hwang’s jerseys, soccer shoes, trophies, and fashion photos have been on display for the past 20 days.
“When I look at the photos, I think, ‘Is it me?’ I’m just grateful that you like it so much,” Hwang said. I’m just grateful that you like it so much,” she said, adding, “Of course, it’s not an exhibition that reflects my will.”
“I hope I have the opportunity to continue to communicate with fans like this, but for that to happen, I have to continue to play soccer well,” he said, adding, “I hope I have a lot of time to communicate with fans and have fun while focusing on soccer and making memories.” 파워볼게임