'I have more responsibilities now': An Je-jun aims high after big year

An Je-jun, center, dribbles the ball during an Asian Games quarterfinal between Korea and China in Hangzhou, China on Oct. 1. [YONHAP]

An Je-jun, the K League 2's Young Player of the Year, is aiming high after a successful season with Bucheon FC 1995 and the U-23 national team.

“I learned and improved a lot this year, and that is why I am more excited about next year,” An said during an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo earlier this month.

Having made his professional debut in 2020, the 22-year-old forward displayed an impressive performance during the 2023 K League 2, recording 11 goals and four assists in 23 league matches.

Those stats make him the first-ever K League 2 Young Player of the Year Award winner to manage double-digit goal involvements.

“I wanted to win an award at the end of the year, and I am happy that I received the Young Player of the Year Award,” An said. “I have more responsibilities now, and I will aim for a place in the best XI next year.”

His solid performance in the second division of the domestic league also earned him a spot on the U-23 national team that competed at the Hangzhou Asian Games in the fall.

He scored two goals during the tournament and went on to win a gold medal with the squad, earning military exemption.

“The Asian Games is the most memorable out of all the games,” An said. “My dream was to be chosen by manager Hwang Sun-hong and win a gold medal, and I am happy that I made it happen.

“Winning the quarterfinal match against host country China despite tens of thousands Chinese supporters will be a big asset to my football career.”

An mostly plays as a winger. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 176 pounds, his strong physique and pace are his forte.

“I am strong, but I can also run fast,” An said. “My teammates in school compared me to a beast who looks for prey [goal]. ‘Black panther’ was my nickname.”

His idols are Luis Suarez of Inter Miami or Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers who beat defenders with their quick pace and score on their own.

Another remarkable performance in the upcoming 2024 season could send An to even greener pastures.

“I want to achieve many things, and I have a big desire to improve,” An said. “I want to delight fans next year by showing a better performance and scoring more goals than this year.”

Unless he transfers to a different team, An will continue to be in action in the K League 2 next year as Bucheon finished in fifth-place in the second division this year and failed to earn promotion.

BY PI JOO-YOUNG [kjdsports@joongang.co.kr]