Pro Basketball Orion Coach Chu Il-seung Voluntarily Resigns... Coach Kim Byung-chul Takes Over as Interim

Orion professional basketball coach Choo Il-seung (left) and coach Kim Byung-chul (right) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Sung-yeol] Choo Il-seung, the professional basketball coach of Orion known as the "Gentleman of the Court," has voluntarily resigned. Coach Kim Byung-chul will serve as the acting head coach for the remainder of the season.

On the 19th, Orion announced, "Coach Choo Il-seung expressed his intention to resign voluntarily, and we have accepted his resignation. Coach Kim Byung-chul will take over as acting head coach for the rest of the season."

On the same day, Coach Choo said, "I feel deeply sorry to the club and players for resigning mid-season, but I decided to open the way for the juniors. I am grateful to the fans who have supported us, the players who have followed quietly, and the club officials who have provided unwavering support."

Coach Choo was appointed as Orion's head coach in 2011 and led the team to a championship victory in the 2015-16 season.

Before Coach Choo took the helm, Orion was considered a weak team, finishing last (10th place) three times and 9th once over four seasons. However, under his leadership, Orion reached the playoffs six times in nine seasons.

However, this season Orion remained at the bottom with a record of 12 wins and 29 losses, leading Coach Choo to step down. His original contract was until the end of this season.

For the remainder of the season, Coach Kim Byung-chul will serve as acting head coach.

Coach Kim joined Orion as a founding member in 1996 and has remained a franchise star. He led Orion to an overall championship in the 2001-02 season, and his number '10' has been retired by Orion.

Since 2013, he has served as a coach and played a significant role alongside Coach Choo in the 2015-16 championship season.

Coach Kim said, "Coach Choo hinted to me today. I feel the heavy responsibility of taking charge suddenly when the team is struggling. I will carry on what the coach has done well and lead the team through the rest of the season."

He added, "We need to finish strong. I plan to motivate the players who are feeling down due to poor results. Overall, we aim for 'Dakgong' (relentless offense). I will draw a big picture and allow players to play simply and freely within it."