[Report] From Fan Clubs to Players' Parents and Local Korean Residents... Various Aspects of the KLPGA Tour

Park Hyun-kyung Fan Club 'Cutiful' Cheers in the Heat... Park Hyun-kyung "Fans Are My Motivation"
Lee Ga-young's Father, Strong Denial... "Supporting All Competitions, Domestic and Abroad"
Festival Among Overseas Koreans... "Large Crowds Expected This Weekend"

A member of Park Hyun-kyung's fan club, Cutiful, watches anxiously as Park Hyun-kyung putts. [Binh Duong (Vietnam) = Photo by Choi Tae-won]

[Asia Economy Binh Duong (Vietnam) = Reporter Choi Taewon] "I came all the way to Vietnam, which was not planned, to see her overcome the disappointment in Singapore."

On the 16th, at the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour PLK Pacific Links Korea Championship 1st round held at Twin Doves GC (Par 72) in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, a variety of people including fans who came all the way to Vietnam, players' families, and local Korean residents gathered as gallery.

Mr. Lee Gi-il (46), a member of Park Hyun-kyung's fan club 'Cutiful,' said, "After the awards ceremony at last week's KLPGA Tour season opener, the Singapore Ladies Open, I was so heartbroken that I couldn't leave the venue for over two hours," adding, "I originally had no plans to come to Vietnam, but because of the disappointment from the last tournament, I came back to Vietnam. I want to cheer her on as she gives her best until the very end overseas." Park Hyun-kyung, after finishing the 2nd round of the previous tournament, chased the leader Park Ji-young by one stroke and aimed for a comeback victory in the final round. However, the final round was canceled due to unexpected heavy rain, resulting in a tie for 2nd place.

On the 16th, after the 1st round of the PLK Pacific Links Championship, Park Hyun-kyung and members of the fan club Cutiful gathered to take a group photo. [Binh Duong (Vietnam) = Photo by Choi Tae-won]

There were a total of seven Cutiful members who came to Vietnam. Despite the hot weather with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, the members continuously drank ice water and held parasols to block the sunlight, supporting Park Hyun-kyung without showing any signs of irritation. Wearing matching light green Park Hyun-kyung fan club T-shirts and various player support accessories, their passion while watching the rounds was comparable to that of any idol fan club.

Their consideration to protect the player's concentration was also exceptional. Even when the player only took a stance to prepare for a swing and beads of sweat rolled down her face, they did not move at all. When the player made a good shot, they rejoiced as if it was their own achievement, shouting "Good shot" and cheering enthusiastically, showing an agape (unconditional love) aspect.

Hwang Je-hoon, the Cutiful treasurer (47), who visited the site, said, "I took a precious vacation to come to Vietnam. Some even took time off from their businesses, so everyone is very passionate," and added, "I hope Park Hyun-kyung gains strength from our support and achieves good results."

Park Hyun-kyung expressed her gratitude and reciprocated the passionate support of the fans.

On the day of the 1st round, before the round started, she had a brief photo time with the fans, and after the game ended, as soon as she submitted her scorecard, she approached the fans, exchanged warm greetings, signed autographs, and took photos with them.

At the press conference held on the 15th during the practice round, Park Hyun-kyung said, "When I want to give up, seeing fans carrying ice packs and wearing hats while walking gives me strength once again," and expressed her gratitude, saying, "They also came to Singapore last week, and I wondered if I could do the same. The fans are my motivation."

Galleries composed of the player's parents and local Korean residents are moving. [Binh Duong (Vietnam) = Photo by Choi Taewon]

Although not fan club members, the parents of all players, known as the 'first fans' of the players, also came all the way to distant Vietnam to take care of and support their children.

Among the crowds of gallery at every tournament, players' parents can be easily found. They are the ones who silently watch the players from behind with expressions that seem more anxious than anyone else.

On this day as well, the players were surrounded by parents who followed them like shadows. When players made a missed shot or missed a putt, they sighed as if the ground was collapsing, and when players made a birdie, they applauded and cheered as if they had gained the whole world.

They were also seen constantly encouraging and comforting each other with the parents of other players in the same group, sharing a sense of camaraderie and empathy.

The father of Lee Ga-young, who achieved her first victory last year, said, "I follow almost every tournament Ga-young participates in, both domestic and overseas. Although I know the management company takes good care of her, I still worry and want to care for her a little more," showing deep affection.

Meanwhile, local Korean residents in Vietnam, who rarely attend such high-level competitions, also visited the tournament venue. Unlike fans or family, they appeared to be enjoying the event with a lighthearted, festive mood.

They mainly sought out the last group, where the best play was most likely to occur. Gathering in small groups, they sighed as if impressed by each good shot of the players and enjoyed the tournament while sharing smiles with their acquaintances.

A Vietnamese Korean resident said, "Among the Korean residents, it is regarded like a festival. Today is a weekday (Friday), so I know many people couldn't come," and added, "Many people will definitely visit the tournament venue during the weekend games."