Um Ji-seong, who returned to the K-League 1, “It’s different from two years ago… The national team is a great motivation”
Reporter Kim Do-yong = Gwangju FC striker Um Ji-seong (21), who returned to the K-League 1 after two years, is determined to challenge the Taegeuk mark once again by displaying more advanced skills than before.
Um Ji-seong attended a press conference held at Barev Hotel in Seogwipo, Jeju on the 8th and said, “We are preparing harder and working harder as we have been promoted to K-League 1. If we prepare well for the remaining 3 weeks until the opening, we will become a sufficiently competitive team.” revealed
“We are preparing for the new season with the coach, and we are having fun training and practicing. We are trying to follow the coach’s orders,” he added. “I think Gwangju will be able to show more aggressive football this year.”
Um Ji-seong, who made his debut in Gwangju in 2021, finished his first season with 4 goals and 1 assist in 37 K League 1 appearances. Although Gwangju was relegated to the bottom, rookie Um Ji-seong left a strong impression.
Um Ji-seong played 28 games in the K-League 2 in 2022, scoring 9 goals and 1 assist, and succeeded in writing 10 offensive points in his second year as a pro.
Um Ji-seong, who returned to the K-League 1 after two years, said, “Actually, I was distracted when I played in my debut season. Time passed quickly.” I learned how to do it. I have accumulated a lot of experience through participating in the game,” he said, vowing to show a different side of himself this year.
Um Ji-seong was summoned to the A national team for the first time in his life at the call of former coach Paulo Bento in 2022, using the performance of Gwangju as a stepping stone. He is also a regular member of the U-23 national team, and is a candidate to be selected for the Hangzhou Asian Games and the 2024 Paris Olympics. 안전놀이터
“It is every player’s dream to participate in the tournament wearing the Taegeuk mark,” said Uhm Ji-seong. I will have to show a good figure in the ,” he said, showing his will to call the national team.
With Gwangju’s promotion, Um Ji-seong also had a head-to-head confrontation with former teammate and senior Um Won-sang (Ulsan Hyundai). Um Ji-seong said, “I feel new and excited at the thought of going head-to-head against (Uhm) Won Sang-i, a senior I respect as a teammate in the past and admired while watching his play. I will do my best to win on the pitch.” I’ll give it to you,” he said confidently.
