"I Want to Become a National Team Player and Repay Those Who Helped Me"
News has been reported that a 'soccer hopeful' who overcame blood cancer is now playing as a starting player on the field. A handwritten letter from his favorite soccer player, Son Heung-min (Tottenham), gave him hope.
The first game of the year for Kang Min-jae, a soccer player from Gumnamu who overcame blood cancer and is a third-year student at Majang Middle School, will be held on the 14th. This is the first match in which Kang will play as a starting player after overcoming blood cancer. Seoul St. Mary's Hospital
On the 7th, Yonhap News reported that Kang Min-jae (3rd year at Majang Middle School), who was active as a youth player for Suwon FC, suddenly experienced difficulty breathing in June 2021 and was diagnosed with 'T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma,' a type of blood cancer. After starting chemotherapy, what was most difficult for Kang was the fear that he might never be able to play soccer again. During the days when he shaved his head and underwent treatment, he would cry himself to sleep thinking about his friends who went to soccer training camps.
Enduring the tough treatment fueled by his dream of soccer, Kang returned to the field in January 2023 while still undergoing chemotherapy. At first, he had lost all his muscle during treatment and even walking was difficult. Although he went to the soccer field, he could only play for about five minutes before having to watch from the bench. However, thanks to the club’s support, telling him he could come back anytime, Kang gradually recovered his body and regained his skills as a soccer player.
What gave him strength during his battle was a handwritten letter from his idol, Son Heung-min. Kang said, "Son Heung-min sent me a handwritten letter telling me not to give up and to do my best just like he overcame difficult treatment, which gave me great strength. I want to work hard and become a national team player, and repay everyone who helped me when I was sick."
Kang’s guardian said, "Even though he struggled with side effects from chemotherapy such as poor speed, dizziness, and severe pain during major competitions, he was so happy just to be able to play sports again that I realized how much he loves soccer. We are grateful to the family, hospital medical staff, school and club officials, friends, and everyone who gave Kang great strength to regain his health and be able to play in matches again."
Professor Lee Jae-wook, pediatrician and head of the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Center at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital (Kang’s attending physician), said, "I am glad that he completed the difficult chemotherapy well and is able to do the sport he loves again. I hope he continues to play soccer healthily and achieve what he desires."
Kang overcame his illness and regained his health last July after about three years. His first league match of the year is scheduled for the 14th.
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