September 20, <a href="https://bitcomme.com/scimplify-raises-25m-from-hitachi-ventures-2026/” title=”Scimplify Raises $25M From Hitachi Ventures [2026]”>2026.
It is an unforgettable day for Hwang Seo-woong (21, Pohang Steelers).
Hwang Seo-woong opened the scoring in the 38th minute of the first half when his team led 1-0 against FC Seoul.
Pohang took the lone lead in Seoul 2-1 thanks to Hwang Seo-woong’s score. Hwang Seo-woong’s goal became the winning goal as Seoul followed one goal with Klimala’s chasing goal in the fifth minute of the second half.
The winning goal on the day was Hwang Seo-woong’s K League 1 debut goal.
Hwang Seo-woong’s winning goal and debut goal were nowhere to be found. This is because Hwang Seo-woong didn’t even have a chance to say how he felt that day.
The story was like this.
The game was originally scheduled to be played at Pohang Steelyard. However, as Stillyard began repair and reinforcement work, the game venue was changed to Sangju Citizens’ Stadium.
The next day, on the 21st, the national team was scheduled to be called up to play in the September-October A match at Cheonan Korea Football Park. The 2026 Aichi and Nagoya Asian Games were also underway.
Perhaps this is why? There was no reporter for the match between Pohang and Seoul.
“MK Sports” met Hwang Seo-woong, who was injured and rehabilitated in the U-21 national team on Oct. 15. It was a little late, but I asked him how he felt about scoring his first goal in the league in three years since his professional debut.
Q. How are you feeling.
He was called up to the U-21 national team in September and had a calf problem. I don’t think it’s going to take a long time. I’m trying to get back as soon as possible.
Q. Didn’t you go on an expedition to Australia. Did you get hurt during the game.
Yes, I had a calf strain during a friendly match with the Australian Under-21 team.
Q. It’s been a while, but I scored my league debut goal just before joining the U-21 team. It was the winning goal against Seoul, which was leading the way. However, I know that there was no reporter that day, so I couldn’t express my feelings about my debut goal.
It’s the day I scored my first league goal since my professional debut. It’s a moment I’ll never forget. I knew after the game that there were no reporters at the stadium that day.
Q. It must have been disappointing.
I didn’t show it (laughs). Honestly, it was a bit disappointing.
Q. If you look back on the professional debut goal situation.
The opponent was the leading Seoul. He was a tough opponent, but he had to win. We had to change the team atmosphere that had subsided. As I prepared for the game that day, I felt that all the players were desperate for victory. Personally, I think he also had a great desire to score (laughs). As I played desperately, the opportunity came, and I was able to score a goal that led to the team’s victory. I was really pleased. Thinking about that day makes me feel good even now.
Q. It was the winning goal and league debut goal that led to the victory against the leading Seoul. I should have entered the press conference as a trainee or met with reporters in the mixed zone, but I couldn’t. Did you expect there would be no reporters in the stadium that day.
To be honest, I didn’t expect it. I didn’t know there were no reporters until after the game (laughs).
Q. Did you receive a lot of congratulations.
Since it was his K League 1 debut goal, so many people congratulated him. Family and acquaintances, coach Park Tae-ha, coaches, and teammates all congratulated me sincerely. I was really happy and grateful.
Q. This is the first time that he has been active as a main player in Pohang in his third year as a professional player. What has changed the most compared to a year ago.
I feel that I have grown on my own. Of course, I’m not satisfied with what I am now. We need to develop further. Personally, I had a huge desire for a chance to play. I sweated to prove my ability when I was given the opportunity. Even now, I’m trying to show better performance. I want to show more. I’ll try harder.
Q. Aren’t you a central midfielder or playmaker with strong attack tendencies. This season, depending on the team’s circumstances, he also played as a winger. I think it must have been a strange position.
It’s true that I wasn’t used to it, but there was no problem. I am a professional player. If the coach gives you a chance, you have to do your part anywhere. Coach Park Tae-ha clearly explained what to do on the field when he played as a winger. I tried to implement the director’s instructions. The same is true after the return. It doesn’t matter how many minutes you play in any position to win the team.
Q. It has been more than a year since I was with Ki Sung-yueng, who was considered a role model. Ki Sung-yueng praised (Hwang) Seo-woong in February, saying, “He is a player with extraordinary talent from the first time I saw him.” How does it feel to work together.
(Ki) Sung-yong is a Korean soccer legend. I was very excited when Sung-yong first said he would come to our team. There were so many things I wanted to ask Sung-yong (laughs). There were a lot of things I wanted to see and learn from sweating together. I’m still learning. Sung-yong helps me grow further on and off the ground. I really appreciate it.
Q. The league is heading towards the end of this season. If you come back from injury, what motivation will you have to enjoy the ground.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) is in the beginning. I want to contribute to the team breaking through the league stage and heading to the tournament. In K League 1, we need to help finish the season as high as possible. I can’t wait to get back to the ground. There is also a desire to show more, including attack points. The goal is to be a player who is very helpful in winning the team.
Q. Hwang Seo-woong is a highly anticipated player by Pohang fans.
I am always grateful to my fans. I want to ask one thing to fans like that. The team is in a bit of a difficult situation. All of the team, led by the coach, are making great efforts to overcome this situation. I hope fans will cheer for me until the end of this season. The fans’ support is a great help. I will make sure to repay the fans’ love. I’ll pour everything out first.
