[On Clubhouse] 'Retired' Kim Ha-neul: "My Golf Life is a Perfect 100~"

Hanil Tour 14 Wins Harvest 'Hard Worker', Tears from Fans and Colleagues' Support, Scheduled Management Contract with YG KPLUS "New Start as Sportainer"

‘Smile Queen’ Kim Ha-neul, who has achieved a total of 14 wins in Korea and Japan, announced her farewell to fans. She smiled brightly, saying, "I was very happy while playing golf," and "Please give me lots of support in my second life as well."

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "I cried a lot."

This is about ‘Smile Queen’ Kim Ha-neul (33, Callaway), who recently announced her retirement. After picking up a club in the 5th grade of elementary school, she spent 6 years as a junior and 15 years on the professional stage before leaving. "I didn’t really realize it until the retirement article came out, but now it feels real," she said. "When I see farewell messages from players or comments from fans, emotions well up," she shared her feelings. We listened to her thoughts after finishing her farewell match at the Nobuta Group Masters GC Ladies on the Japanese tour.

▲ "I want to give myself 100 points" = Compared to fellow members of the ‘Dragon Year Club’ born in 1988 such as Park In-bee, Shin Ji-ae, and Lee Bo-mi, Kim Ha-neul did not receive much attention during her amateur days but blossomed in the professional world. After joining the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) in 2006, she accumulated a total of 8 wins. She was named Rookie of the Year in 2007 and won the money title for two consecutive years in 2011 and 2012. She collected countless trophies including the Player of the Year, lowest scoring average, and popularity awards.

This is a scene of Kim Ha-neul playing with her father, Kim Jong-hyun, who served as her caddy at the 2009 S-Oil Champions Invitational.

"I have no regrets," she said with a bright smile, "If nothing else, I would give my golf life 100 points." She devoted herself solely to golf and strictly adhered to everything that helped her athletic performance. "I really did my best," she recalled, "I achieved everything I wanted as a player." The most memorable tournaments were the one where she earned her first prize money on the second-tier tour and her first wins in Korea and Japan. "I was happy because I earned money for the first time," she reminisced.

▲ "I am a happy person" = Since Kim Ha-neul announced her retirement, it has been a series of touching moments. Encouraging messages continue to pour in on her social media. "You worked hard," "Thanks to you, I started to like golf," and "I will miss you a lot" are some of the heartfelt support. "I’m not usually someone who cries a lot, but I cried a lot," she said, adding, "Every time I see these messages, I feel glad that I played golf."

Kim Ha-neul is posing with Ueda Momoko at the 6th hole on the final day of the Dunlop Ladies Open last September.

In 2015, she took on a new challenge by joining the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) Tour, where she left a strong impression by winning 6 times over 6 years. Japanese players such as Oyama Shiho, Ueda Momoko, Arimura Chie, and Hara Erina also expressed regret over her return to Korea. "Some players even gave me handwritten letters saying ‘You worked so hard,’" she said, expressing her gratitude, "It was sad but also touching."

▲ "My future career will be as a Sportainer (Sports + Entertainer)" = She had been contemplating her retirement timing for two years. "It was tough staying in Japan continuously due to the COVID-19 pandemic," Kim Ha-neul explained, "I wanted to try something other than being a player, and I judged that now is the right time to start something new." She is currently activating her Instagram and preparing a YouTube channel. She is expected to sign a contract with YG KPLUS, the top model management company in Korea.

It is interesting that Kim Ha-neul dreams of various activities including golf entertainment and fashion. "I have always been interested in fashion," she said, "I want to have fun experiences in various fields." She will have her domestic retirement match at the KLPGA Tour SK Telecom·ADT Caps Championship, which opens on the 12th of next month at La Vie Belle Golf Club in Chuncheon. "I want to say a proper goodbye," she promised, "I will show you a smiling Ha-neul."