My wife was crying. Four knee surgeries → 25 consecutive defeats → I'm thrilled to win → Even the first retirement ceremony of the foundation...Simone Killer's sincerity as she leaves the court.

Jan 01, 2025

Choi Seok-ki for the interview. Reporter Kim Young-rok

V League match between Woori Card and KEPCO at Jangchung Gymnasium on the 31st. Choi Seok-ki, who has a retirement ceremony, is taking a commemorative photo. Jangchung = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.12.31/

V League match between Woori Card and KEPCO at Jangchung Gymnasium on the 31st. Choi Seok-ki, who has a retirement ceremony, is greeting the players one last time. Jangchung = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.12.31/

"My wife cried when I told her I was going to retire. Thank you, and I'm honored."

On the last day of 2024, Woori Card's first retirement ceremony was held at Jangchung Gymnasium in 16 years.

The main character is Choi Seok-ki (38), who leaves the court after last season. He smiled brightly all the time saying hello to his fans. However, as soon as I said my last goodbye to the court, I choked up and cried.

Woori Card responded to him, not a star player, with the first retirement ceremony in the club's history. More than 3,000 volleyball fans who filled the scene said goodbye together. It was even more meaningful because the opponent was Choi Seok-ki's debut team and KEPCO, where his friend Shin Young-seok played.

Choi Seok-ki said "When I first heard about the retirement ceremony 'Am I?' he said. I didn't expect it, and I was so surprised. I'm not that good of a player, but it's worth it to break the ice for our card," he smiled. Then "My wife cried. He added, "'Your brother's dedication was not in vain.'"

Choi Seok-ki family who visited the site. Reporter Kim Young-rok

At the retirement ceremony, Choi Seok-ki wore a Woori Card uniform instead of a suit. He said "My son is seven years old this year. play for Woori Card's youth team"I'm proud to be able to leave my son with the memory of a volleyball player's father."

When he was with KEPCO, he had a bitter experience of losing 25 consecutive regular seasons (2008-2009, 2012-2013). The last place on the team is basic, and after going through numerous trials and glory as a volleyball player from trade, victory, transfer to FA, and termination of the contract, he made the finale of his career with a splendid retirement ceremony. Choi Seok-ki `My pride is that I have endured and overcome all kinds of trials. Thanks to you, we were able to bloom on our card"I looked back.

Mauricio Paes, manager of Woori Card, smiled broadly, saying, `It's a good event for the team to repay the player's dedication.' KEPCO coach Kwon Young-min, who also played with him when he was active, said "He is a solid and positive player. I hope you become a leader who strives to develop Korean volleyball." Park Jin-woo, a junior in the team, said "He showed great leadership in cutting off when he broke and releasing when he released. A spiritual pillar who really believed and followed."

Roaring by Choi Seok-ki (No. 9) at the beginning of his debut. Yonhap News

He is a former Golden Generation 2008 rookie draft. Korea Electric Power Corp., which took its first step as a professional team, ranked 1st, 6th, and 8th, and Woori Capital, a new team, ranked 2nd, 5th, respectively. Choi Seok-ki was the ace of Hanyang University, a prestigious volleyball player, but he was selected by KEPCO as the first in the second round (6th overall) behind Moon Sung-min (1st), Shin Young-seok (2nd), and Park Sang-ha (5th), who are still active.

He was a promising middle blocker, ranking fourth in blocking in his first year and second the following year. He was a scary newcomer who showed off his presence even more with his beautiful appearance and lively ceremony.

The fatal knee injury suffered in the third year of the season has plagued him for life. I've had four operations alone. "I've done everything except for artificial joints." The prosperous future seemed to wilt.

Around thirty, the flame burned again. On December 3, 2014, he became the `Simone Killer' with eight blocks in a game against the best player of his time, Simon. It is the most memorable moment in Choi Seok-ki's life.

Choi Seok-ki on December 3, 2014, when he had eight blocks against Simone, the best player at the time. Sports Chosun DB

"Will there be another day like that while living as a professional player?" 'I think I'm crazy today.' I kept saying that. The thrill of the day is the driving force behind the exercise so far."

After being traded to Korean Air, he contributed to winning the first championship game in the 2017-2018 season and returned to his former team KEPCO as an FA. However, it was released after a year. Woori Card is the team that accepted him in the crisis of player life.

Choi Seok-ki, who reunited with KEPCO coach Shin Young-chul 'Eunsa', reported his revival by ranking second in quick attack and eighth in blocking in the 2019-2020 season. However, he was gradually pushed to the warm-up zone, and he did not play a single game in the final season. Nevertheless, he led the team as captain and spiritual leader.

"A player is said to be the most beautiful when he or she plays. But even if you can't play, it can help the team. It's been a season where I put everything into it really fiercely."

Even after the game, volleyball fans who recognized Choi Seok-ki continued to request photos. Reporter Kim Young-rok

He announced his retirement after the season and is receiving coaching training at Sapporo Yellow Stars in the second division of Japanese volleyball (V-League) with the support of the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO). At first, he was treated as an apprentice coach, but with the recognition of the club, he extended his contract until the championship game and joined the full-time coaching staff.

It was a reckless challenge in Japanese, with only 'Ohayo' and 'Arigato'. After recording, listening again, and checking all the words exchanged all day, the locals are now able to communicate surprisingly freely. "It seems to have appealed in terms of passion thanks to the constant annoyance of team officials outside of volleyball as well."

"It was also a big burden for me, the breadwinner, to lose my income at this age. Thanks to my wife's full support, I was able to take on a new challenge. I'm always sorry and grateful."

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.