FOCUS ON ~This Week's Photo~
The blue and red uniform with the number 18 marked on it was hanging in the locker room of Ajinomoto Stadium, waiting for Kento HASHIMOTO.
Hashimoto, who saw it, said, "It was the same when I entered Ajinomoto Stadium, but there was something that made me excited," and continued.
"Since it is a significant number, I do not think I have made it my own number yet. However, seeing many people wearing the number 18 at the stadium and feeling the joy of being able to fight with a great number on my back, I am grateful."
And, entered the game in the 37th minute of the second half against FC Machida Zelvia. The uniform he wore was "amazing. It still fits perfectly". Although he only played for about 10 minutes, he stepped onto the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time in 4 and a half seasons.
"We were in a situation where we were losing 0-1, so I strongly wanted to create a chance somehow. However, in that situation, my strong desire is to fulfill my role first and contribute to the team's victory."
When I was in 6th grade, Naohiro ISHIKAWA took my hand and we entered Ajinomoto Stadium together. What I inherited from my role model was his jersey number and the desire to win the league title. The story of the blue and red number 18 has started moving again.
(Titles omitted in text)
Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)
"What ○○ do you want to ask the players?"
"Ask the players what you want to know" project, where we ask questions from 2025SOCIO・OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP members to the players.
This time's "Interesting ○○" features Baek INHWAN, who continues to learn about Japanese football and culture. We asked the rising Korean defender about what interests him.
※Some of the questions we have received may have been edited for formatting purposes. Thank you for your understanding.
Q, How did you study Japanese? Also, is there anything you were happy about when you came to Japan? (Handle name: Rene)
A, At first, I took Japanese lessons with a teacher five times a week for 30 minutes for a year. I was happy to be able to make Japanese seniors and friends. When I went out to eat, I no longer struggled after I became able to speak Japanese.
Q, Did you have any players you were interested in or liked in the J-League before coming to Japan? (Handle name: Tomuko-san)
A, Yuto NAGATOMO. I watched him play in the World Cup and as a player who also specializes in speed, I have a lot of respect for his energy and play. I am very happy and honored to be able to play on the same team as Nagatomo.
Q, Who is the most friendly player in Tokyo? (Handle name: Koguma-san, Ruutan-san)
A, It's Kanta Doi. We went to eat Korean food during the off season and also visited Shin-Okubo's Korean town for fun.
Q, Do you have any feelings behind the number 66 on your jersey? (Handle name: Minachin-san)
A, My older brother, who is one year older than me, used to play soccer in the Korean K4 League and wore the number 66. He retired last season, so I wanted to wear that number in honor of him.
Q, Do you often travel to Korea? Do you have any recommended places? (Handle name: KAY)
A, There is a delicious octopus dish called "sannachi" which is a specialty dish in Busan.
Q, What are the differences between the J-League and the K-League? (Handle name: Mame-san)
A, The K-League is known for its physicality and strong play, while Japan is known for emphasizing technique. Personally, I played on artificial turf until high school, so it took me some time to get used to playing on natural grass after coming to Japan.
Q, Hello, I am a FC Tokyo fan! Where do you go on your days off? I want to do 'shashashasha' with Baek In-hwan player as soon as possible! (I am a fan of FC Tokyo. Where do you go on your days off? I want to do 'shashashasha' with Baek In-hwan player as soon as possible!) (Handle name: Yuffie-san)
A, What is 'shashashasha'? (After receiving an explanation) I see. I will make sure to be able to do it anytime when we win by watching the footage.
◇Baek INHWAN Player Profile
Date of Birth: 2005/09/15
Height/Weight: 178cm/68kg
Hometown: South Korea
Representative History: U-18 South Korea National Team
Favorite Food: Samgyeopsal, Kimchi Jjigae
Favorite Sports (besides soccer): Table Tennis, Bowling
Player profile is here
