We Are the Jokgu Kings... Geumsaem High School Establishes Busan's First High School Jokgu Team

Head Coach Kim Jucheol:
"I Will Build a World-Class Jokgu Team"

The first high school Jokgu team has been established in Busan. While there have been Jokgu teams operated as after-school club activities at high schools, this is the only case where an official high school Jokgu team has been founded as an academic sports team.

The Busan Jokgu Association announced on the 20th that a ceremony for the founding of the Jokgu team was held at Geumsaem High School (Principal Oh Sangheun) on the 19th.

The founding ceremony was attended by Yoo Gukjong, Director of Character Education, Physical Education, and School Meals at the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education; Moon Seongman, Vice Principal of Geumsaem High School; Lee Hyunwoo, Vice President of the Busan Jokgu Association; Son Wanuk, President of the Geumjeong-gu Jokgu Association; Kim Obong, President of the Haeundae Jokgu Association; Yoon Byeonggyu, Secretary-General of the Busan Jokgu Association; as well as association officials, parents, and students.

The Geumsaem High School Jokgu team consists of eight players in total: four first-year students, one second-year student, and three third-year students.

The birth of the Geumsaem High School Jokgu team was the result of continuous communication and consensus between the school and the Busan Jokgu Association (President Park Samcheol) over the past year. Through thorough preparation, including the admission of talented students from Geumjeong Middle School, eight players have become founding members.

The team is led by Head Coach Kim Jucheol and Coach Kim Sanghun.

Head Coach Kim Jucheol is currently the Executive Vice President of the Korea Jokgu Association and has been coaching students to promote youth Jokgu for the past 15 years. He is recognized as a veteran coach who has also produced professional players in domestic teams.

Coach Kim Sanghun, who is currently serving as a physical education teacher at Geumsaem High School, has worked as a Jokgu player and coach in recreational sports.

Oh Sangheun, Principal of Geumsaem High School, said, "I am delighted to establish the only high school Jokgu team in Busan," and added, "I will lead and support Geumsaem High School to grow into a world-class Jokgu institution, including both high school and adult teams."