'If I see Korean fans in Wolverhampton it makes me really proud'

Hwang Hee-chan

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Hwang Hee-chan discussed what it meant to represent Korea at a Premier League club and how a team representing so many different nationalities fits together in an interview with the club to mark Wolves' One Pack Week.

"There are things that make us different, but there are also things that make us very similar, such as everyone in the team like joking with each other," Hwang said in English in comments published on the Wolves website. "We always try to make each other laugh and enjoy each other’s company.”

Hwang joined Wolves 2021 on loan and then signed with the club permanently in 2022. He started the current season in great form, quickly becoming the club's top scorer before being sidelined by injury since early this year. He returned as a substitute last week and is expected to take a growing role again over the last few weeks of the season.

Hwang's success with Wolves has also made it an increasingly popular destination for Korean fans.

“For me, it’s very meaningful," Hwang said. "If I see Korean fans in Wolverhampton it makes me really proud and it’s an honor. I want to keep doing well for them and for our local fans.”

The Wolves One Pack week is intended to shine a light on the diversity at the club. Hwang was interviewed alongside 18 other people of various gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, age and disability.

During the interview, Hwang was also asked what makes him, him.

“Family and football. If I’m playing football, I’m really happy and if I’m with my family, I’m also very happy. That’s why they’re the two most important thing to me.”

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]