“I want to be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day.”

Pohang Steelers midfielder Kim Jun-ho (22) came on as a substitute in the 28th minute of the home match against Jeonbuk Hyundai in the 15th round of the ‘Hana OneQ K League 1 2023’ at the Pohang Steel Yard on 29 September and contributed to the team’s 1-0 win. With 27 points, Pohang remained in fourth place but moved level on points with second-placed FC Seoul and third-placed Jeju United.

Kim Jun-ho was a surprise substitute on the day. He took his place after Ko Young-jun, who scored the first goal in the 21st minute of the second half, pulled out with a sore calf muscle. His main position is central midfield, but he moved up one spot. He was given more offensive duties. In the post-match mixer, Kim Jun-ho said, “Young-joon played because his brother got injured unexpectedly. It’s not like he wasn’t playing in that position,” he said, adding, “When I got the ball, I was ordered to give it to the side and try to take as many shots as possible.”안전놀이터

Junho threatened the Jeonbuk defence with a thunderous mid-range shot that was saved by Jeonbuk goalkeeper Kim Jung-hoon. “After I actually shot it, I thought, ‘That’s it,’ but the goalkeeper blocked it so well. I had a flash of the serenade in my head,” he laughed, then added, “That’s why I was more disappointed. I always remember the serenade, but I don’t tell (my teammates) because I want to show them first,” he said, revealing that he is preparing a secret serenade.

Especially on this day, it was the club’s 50th anniversary match. A number of legends also visited the Pohang Steel Yard. “I was an elementary school student at the 40th anniversary, and I remember Pohang winning. (The Hall of Fame inductees) are all great people. My father is also an inductee. I hope to be inducted into the Hall of Fame someday,” he said encouragingly.

Kim Jun-ho’s ‘call name’ is ‘Kim Jun-ho, number 66, born to number 6’. The name comes from the fact that his father, Pohang coach Kim Ki-dong, wore the number 6 during his playing days and Kim Jun-ho’s number is 66. “I think it’s really good. I’m sure the coach knows (the nickname) and is happy with it,” he smiled.

He’s been getting more and more playing time, but there’s still a long way to go. “As an U-22 player, I need to improve and contribute to the team,” said Kim, who was born in 2002. “I lack a lot of instantaneous speed. I also need to work harder. My goal is to play like this every game. I want to score about five attacking points, and since I’m a midfielder, I think one goal will be enough, and I want to provide a lot of assists.”

On the pitch and on the training ground, Kim is a coach, but he is also the father of Kim Jun-ho. Football is inseparable between them. “The coach told me I did well against Gangwon FC,” says Kim. In the FA Cup against Seongnam FC, I was worse than against Gangwon. I think I will get better as I continue to play,” he said, adding, “The coach gives me feedback when I go home. That’s why I try not to go home much,” he chuckled.