Ulsan HD U-18 forward Lee Jae-hyung has revealed his ambitions.
Ulsan defeated Roaso Kumamoto 1-0 in the final of the K League Asian Youth Championship Jeju 2024 on Saturday afternoon at Kangchanghak Stadium, thanks to a goal from Heo Chan-hoe. With the victory, Ulsan won all five matches of the tournament, completing the feat of winning the title outright and cementing their status as an Asian powerhouse.
The tournament took place from July 21-26 in Seogwipo, Jeju Island. It was organized by the Korea Professional Football Association, co-hosted by the league and Jeju United, and sponsored by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. Eight teams competed in the tournament, including three K League teams – Jeju United, Ulsan, and Pohang Steelers – as well as Kumamoto, Mito Holyhawk (Japan), PVF Academy (Vietnam), 토토사이트 Western United (Australia), and Jeju’s local team, Jeju Jeilengo.
Ulsan was placed in Group B and drew Jeju Jeil-Go, Kumamoto-Western, and Zaung for a spot in the semifinals. Ulsan’s momentum didn’t stop there, as they earned three points against all three teams. Facing their “K League nemesis” Mito in the semifinals, Ulsan scored a dramatic goal just before the end of the match to reach the final and eventually defeat Kumamoto to lift the trophy.
Lee Jae-hyung, who started and played the entire match, was named the tournament’s MVP. Lee’s perfect performance throughout the tournament wowed the crowd with his bold and aggressive play in all aspects of the game, both offensively and defensively.
Lee Jae-hyung made waves last January when he was called up to the U-17 national team led by Byun Sung-hwan of the Suwon Samsung Bluewings as a junior high school student. However, his transition to Hyundai High was not always smooth. Sportal Korea spoke to Lee Jae-hyung to find out how he has changed his position in just one year.
Below is a one-on-one interview with Jaehyung Lee.
- How did it feel to win the title and be named MVP?
Despite the tight schedule of the tournament, I think all the players worked hard to get to this point. I don’t think I won MVP because I was good. Seeing the players give their best inspired me, and I think my willingness to go the extra mile led to good results.
- Next year, you’ll be a junior. I think it’s time to seriously think about my goals.
My first goal is to make my professional debut with Ulsan. If I don’t make it, I won’t be disappointed, and I want to try my best to make it to the pros.
- I heard that coach Lee Seung-hyun really values the development of each player.
To be honest, when I was a freshman, I didn’t get much playing time. I wasn’t mature enough. Thanks to him, I became mentally stronger and developed the habit of persevering in doing something.
- If there’s anyone I’d like to take this opportunity to thank, it’s him.
(Laughs) As I said, he gave me a chance, and if there was something lacking, he took care of it. It’s embarrassing, but I really want to say thank you for taking care of me every time.