“I want to draw a future together with KT.”
Moon Seong-gon (30), one of the Big 3 free agents (FA) in 2023, will wear the KT uniform. Moon Seong-gon, who had only played for KGC Ginseng Corporation since his debut in 2015, headed to KT for a contract period of 5 years and a total remuneration of 780 million won in his first year. Moon Seong-gon’s heart was shaken by KT’s sincerity.
Moon Seong-gon was taking a break after going down to his hometown of Busan after the Ginseng Corporation’s unified victory in the 2022-2023 season. KT went down to Busan and showed its will to recruit Moon Seong-gon. In a phone call with Sports World, Moon Seong-gon said, “I have been contacted by three teams. Among them, it was the feeling that KT wanted me the most. I was moved by KT’s sincerity. Since we each had a meeting once, I thought I had to make a decision now.” Those things shook my heart.”
He started playing basketball in Busan and had a relationship with KT since he was a child. KT was based in Busan before moving to Suwon. Moon Seong-gon said, “My father went to KT and took an honorary retirement. If you go to your hometown in Busan, there is still a signed ball from KTF Magic Wings (now KT Sonic Boom). When I first started playing basketball, I went to Geumjeong Gymnasium to watch games. There is such a relationship,” he explained.
It wasn’t easy to decide to transfer because I only played at Ginseng Corporation since my debut. Seonggon Moon always had a strong affection for Ginseng Corporation. He said, “It was really difficult. He is still upset and has a regretful heart. (Kim Sang-sik) coach, coaches, (Yang) Hee-jong hyung, (Oh) Se-geun hyung called me,” he said. “I originally thought about not calling. Hearing his voice made me feel sad and cry. Still, he seemed to have to call. When Hee-jong was with hyung, I was particularly thirsty,” he looked back.
Last season, Moon Seong-gon played the season with a finger injury. He is currently recovering. Moon Seong-gon said, “When I had the last checkup, they said that the bones were no longer attached. He said so at the hospital. The bones are not attached at all. He has to adapt to this condition,” he said. “This season, he tied his fingers and ran. He is thinking of just loosening up and playing next season. It doesn’t seem to matter if the bones don’t stick together. His fingers don’t bend back, so there is pain. However, I think it is greed to try to run without pain in the current situation.”
After the KT line was confirmed, director Song Young-jin showed faith in Moon Seong-gon. It is evaluated that it is perfect for basketball with a lot of activity prepared by coach Song Young-jin. Moon Seong-gon said, “I played a lot of basketball at Ginseng Corporation this time. Under coach Kim Seung-gi’s system, he didn’t play much in offense, but he played a lot in defense. Both of these things I have learned so far, so I don’t think it will be too much trouble.”
“There is a sense of responsibility and pressure. I am really grateful to KT for recognizing my value because I signed a contract at a high price. Now I have to repay that sexually. Rather than saying what I will do next year, I think KT is a team that will grow with me. I hope we can draw a future together. It’s not the first time I match up with (Heo) Hoon and (Ha) Yoongi. If Hoon and Yoongi lead well, I hope to come out with a good picture by pushing well from behind.”
Moon Seong-gon is enjoying a belated vacation after the championship match. KT, who was eliminated from the playoffs last season, was scheduled to convene on June 1st. Moon Seong-gon also has time to say hello on the KT convening day. Moon Seong-gon said, “I had a phone call with director Song Young-jin. Since I ended the season late, we talked about when I should join the team. On the day KT convenes, we decided to gather and say hello. The director then told me to set the schedule again.”
In KT,스포츠토토 as Kim Young-hwan moved to coach after retiring from active duty, there was a gap in the captaincy. Director Song Young-jin said, “I’m thinking of entrusting the captaincy to (Moon) Seong-gon.” When it becomes a reality, Moon Seong-gon will take on the heavy responsibility of captain as soon as he transfers. Moon Seong-gon said, “I haven’t officially taken on the role yet, so I didn’t think much about it. If you leave him as captain, there are things he has seen, heard and learned during his 7 years of professional life. He learned a lot from his role model, Heejong, his older brother. He learned to be stern and bitter at times, and to be good like a brother and a friend at other times. It will be difficult, but if you leave it to me, I will try hard again in that position.”