Goodbye, Ko Jun-yong.
The retirement ceremony for Samsung Fire coach Ko Jun-yong, who was a big part of the team’s success during his playing days, will take place on March 19 at Daejeon Chungmu Gymnasium before the team’s home opener against Korean Air in the first round of the Dodram 2023-24 V-League Men’s Division.
Samsung Fire announced the retirement ceremony through its official social media channels on Sunday. The retirement ceremony will take place before the game and a plaque of appreciation will be presented.
It has been seven years since Samsung Fire held a retirement ceremony. In the home opener of the 2016-17 season, Samsung Fire held a retirement ceremony for legendary coach Ko Hee-jin.
Coach Ko Jun-yong, like Ko Hee-jin, was also a member of the Samsung Fire One Club. After graduating from Inha University, he joined Samsung Fire as the No. 1 pick in the second round of the 2011 rookie draft and has played for the organization ever since, excluding his military service.
Ko retired after playing 279 games in his professional career with 633 points, a 48.35% attacking percentage and 44.54% receiving efficiency. In his final season, he played 27 games and scored 52 points with a 44.33% attacking percentage and 28.66% receiving efficiency. He experienced both highs and lows with the Samsung Fire, winning championships and finishing last.안전놀이터
Starting in the 2023-24 season, he joined the Samsung Fire coaching staff alongside coach Ji Tae-hwan. He is making a new start as a coach.
“When I was a player, I only had to work out, but as a coach, I have to take care of the players from one to ten. You have to know how they feel. It was really difficult at first. I know that I wasn’t good enough, so I always tell my players to be confident. I want them to be confident. There are many young players, so I will be a coach who praises them more than scolds them. Of course, when it is necessary to be strict in sports, I will be a strict leader,” he said, revealing his aspirations as a coach.
Meanwhile, Samsung Fire plans to hold a retirement ceremony for Coach Ko Jun-yong, place food trucks in front of the stadium, and open a replica rental shop (5,000 won deposit, deposit refunded upon return) to welcome fans to a happy home opener.