Weird Defender Joo Ji-Tae

36 – Beginning

036

The unexpected beginning of the broadcast appearance of the innocent goddess was like this.

* * *

The interview took place after the game.

Joo Ji-tae, along with the coach, stepped up for an interview as the mom of the game.

“I’m Adam Harrison from BBC. I’d like to ask about England first. What do you think of the penalty?”

“The attacking line showed a particularly weak performance in today’s game. Was it because of poor condition? According to rumors, there was a party the night before the game, and especially many women were witnessed. Is that true?”

The early atmosphere was dominated by European journalists who looked down on England.

No matter how much the U-20 World Cup was a tournament with many twists and turns, the dominance of Europe and South America remained unchanged. Of course, it was a fact that the difference was much smaller compared to the adult World Cup.

Unlike the adult World Cup, where call-ups were mandatory, the U-20 World Cup was not classified as an A match.

Naturally, from the perspective of the club, it was impossible to easily send players to a tournament where there was no obligation for call-ups. As a result, it was almost impossible for so-called “strong teams” to build a proper first-team squad.

However, thanks to the overwhelming decision of EPL clubs, the England national team succeeded in building a squad close to the first team and raised expectations, only to be eliminated in the round of 16.

Moreover, they were defeated by an Asian team, not a European or South American team.

This was an undeniable disaster from the perspective of a European who saw Asia as the periphery of football, so it was inevitable that there would be a ‘blame game.’

Especially, the one who became the prey of the journalists this time was none other than Andrew McNeil.

“Scottish Sports Martin Edinburgh here! I want to ask Andrew McNeil. Before the game, you were confident that you could beat the Korean defense, but the result was the opposite. Would you like to retract your statement now?”

“I’m Campbell Scott, a reporter from The Daily Telegraph. Andrew McNeil, you joined the England national team instead of the Scotland national team for international competitions, but the result is elimination in the round of 16. Can we hear your thoughts on this?”

From the dismal game against Korean defenders to the weakness of being Scottish by birth, Andrew McNeil became the target of journalists.

Especially, the Scottish journalists were determined to ruthlessly tease Andrew McNeil’s pride, throwing questions disguised as lectures.

Unable to bear it any longer, Andrew McNeil got up and left, and the momentarily chilled atmosphere regained vitality as the Korean interview began.

In any case, the unpleasant feelings were only among a few English journalists.

As befitting a tournament held in China, many journalists from Asia, who were unusually present, welcomed Korea’s victory. The Scottish journalists, on the other hand, celebrated as if it were their own country’s victory.

“Congratulations on the victory. Korea has been showing an unexpected level of performance in this tournament. What is the secret?”

“It was a wonderful game that broke the statements of some football figures who claimed that Asian football had stagnated. What is Korea’s goal?”

“At the Asian Cup, you achieved significant success as a full-back. Why did you adopt a three-back formation in this tournament?”

The director, Jang Ki-seok, who enjoyed attention as much as his youth allowed, responded to the barrage of questions from reporters with a confident smile.

As it was the Round of 16, a match between the second-placed teams from Group A and Group C, the attention was high. Moreover, being a game where an Asian team defeated a Western team in a tournament held in Asia, the excitement was remarkable.

The fervor of the journalists was directed towards Ji Tae-joo, who emerged as the most promising player of this World Cup, overshadowing numerous rising stars by leading the defense line to a clean sheet victory in today’s match.

“Player Ji Tae-joo, today you led the defense line to a clean sheet. However, there were several instances in today’s game where the Korean defense line seemed to collapse. What do you think the issue is?”

“You switched from playing as a full-back to a three-back. Were there no issues with adaptation? Or perhaps, is it connected to the defensive problems in today’s game?”

“You are known for your unusually aggressive play as a center-back. Today, you showcased a stormy dribble that led to the opening goal. Are you planning to maintain such an offensive style in the future?”

The questions started off innocuously.

However, as the questions continued, a subtle tension began to emerge among the journalists.

It was time for the question everyone was curious about.

“Player Ji Tae-joo.”

And then, it happened.

The journalist who threw the question everyone was eager to know appeared.

—

Meanwhile, at Hojin High School’s soccer team, Coach Kim Suk-doo watched the interview with a satisfied smile.

“Hmm, these kids. They talk like old men already. Their mouths move well.”

They were outstanding players, so exceptional that even youth teams or prestigious soccer clubs wouldn’t find it strange to scout them.

Ji Tae-joo and Jo Jae-shin.

Being able to recruit these two players for the relatively ordinary soccer team at Hojin High School was all thanks to the tearful efforts of Coach Kim Suk-doo.

“Kids, it’s rewarding to have nurtured you as starters since freshman year.”

If it were a professional or prestigious high school, it would have been tough, promising the starting position to freshmen. But these two lads were brought in, barely promising the starting positions while making it through.

Smiling contentedly, Kim Suk-doo suddenly stiffened his expression.

“Wait… Did I gain anything by bringing them here?”

After going through all the trouble to bring them in, they ended up being called up to the national team for the Asian Cup or the World Cup.

They barely played games for the high school soccer team. Now, as they approached the mid-point of their second year, they were playing more for the national team than the school team.

“Damn it. I practically gave them away for free.”

Kim Suk-doo could only sigh deeply as he looked at the beaming face of Jang Ki-seok captured by the camera.

Well, at least considering the performance they showed in sporadic returns during the early days of freshman year, he felt a sense of satisfaction. And above all, to him, they were the ‘jewels of Hojin High School,’ untitled as ‘Ji Tae-joo and Jo Jae-shin’s high school era.’

Then, it’s okay.

Yeah, it’s okay.

It was then.

[“Ju Ji-tae player. I heard he played as a midfielder until middle school. Given his playing style and talent, he seems good enough to play as a midfielder. Why did he switch to center-back?”]

The moment that ‘that question’ was asked.

Kim Suk-doo’s expression turned pale.

“Please… please…!”

Even with hands clasped in earnest prayer, he couldn’t stop Ju Ji-tae’s mouth.

[“I tried playing as a center-back based on the advice of Kim Suk-doo, our high school coach, and personally, I thought it suited me very well.”]

‘It’s over.’

Kim Suk-doo, who felt a weight lifted off his shoulders, didn’t hear anything else.

Just staring blankly at the ceiling.

Rumble—

The smartphone began to ring.

“…Damn, again? Is it starting again?”

Headlines about sports were already catching the eye.

This time, too,

『The most suitable position for Ju Ji-tae is not center-back!』

『Is high school soccer coach Kim Suk-doo right about Ju Ji-tae?』

Such articles would surely be published.

Frustrated, Kim Suk-doo pressed the call button.

“Hello? Oh, got it! Is this Coach Kim Suk-doo’s number?”

“Yes. That’s correct. I’m the culprit, Kim Suk-doo.”

[…What? Oh, anyway. Hello, I’m Kim Ssakka, the operator of the ‘Football In Life’ channel on YouTube. Can I speak to you?]

“Ha… I didn’t tell him to play as a center-back. How can he decide to do it on his own! I’m frustrated too! Frustrated, I say, to these people!! I didn’t ask him to do it! He said he’s good at it, whether it’s a girlfriend or a sister, he said, what am I supposed to do about it!!!”

[What? Uh, hello? Hello?]

Kim Ssakka, real name Kim Sa-kyung, who operates the largest football YouTube channel in Korea, ‘Football In Life,’ looked around.

Everyone who heard Kim Suk-doo’s shouts from the smartphone set on the circular table with speakers placed on it seemed to share the same thought, as evidenced by the gleam in their eyes.

Ding—

Beyond the smartphone showing the call ending screen, channel writer Shin Ah-ram opens her mouth with twinkling eyes.

“Amazing!! Did you hear? Everyone heard, right?? Ju Ji-tae has a girlfriend!! This is definitely worth a million views!!”

“A million? What nonsense. Don’t you know what’s popular now? It’ll hit 2-3 million in a week.”

The duo, renowned for their success in the Asian Cup, Ji Tae Joo and Jae Shin Cho, captured the hearts of domestic soccer fans with their outstanding performance in this World Cup.

Despite being the youngest in the team, they displayed ace-level skills, coupled with handsome faces.

It’s only natural that attention is focused on these two individuals who possess all the qualities to become future stars as broadcasters. Furthermore, the fact that the two of them were practically inseparable since kindergarten, through elementary, middle, and high school, added an intriguing background story!

Kim Sa Kyung, a soccer YouTuber with the highest domestic subscription count, couldn’t afford to miss such a ‘guaranteed views’ material. So, she diligently traced their activities from elementary to high school, expecting this kind of ‘source’ to emerge.

“I found him! Is this the person?”

“Who is it? Where? Him? He’s incredibly handsome… but there’s something… he looks young?”

When Kim Sa Kyung, who was tapping on her laptop, saw the star-studded screen presented by the author Shin Ah Ram, she mumbled with a sense of awe, and Shin Ah Ram tilted her head as Kim Sa Kyung murmured hesitantly.

“Of course. He’s in middle school. Now in 8th grade.”

“Wow! Unbelievable… not a crime. Ji Tae Joo is in high school, right? Wow~ But what is this? Why does this kid have so many star followers? Is he a model?”

From Noble mtl dot com

“It’s not like that; he just casually uploads his selfies, daily life photos, or updates on his current situation. Just things a girl of this age would do. But because he’s cute, it seems he gained popularity.”

“Hmm… But Cho Yeoshin? Doesn’t he look a bit like Cho Jaeshin?”

“There’s a comment here from Cho Jaeshin… says it’s his sister?”

“…Cho Jaeshin’s sister? Then what’s this? Ji Tae Joo and Cho Jaeshin are close friends, and on top of that, Ji Tae Joo is dating Cho Jaeshin’s sister? Oh! This is a great story!! Hey, let’s contact them!”

* * *

“Oh? Yeoshin, you got a DM?”

“Oh, what now? Weird pictures again… huh?”

[“Hello. I am Kim Soccer, operating the largest domestic soccer YouTube channel ‘Football in Life.’ I contacted you because we are wondering if you could appear on our channel broadcast—”]

“Ahh! I’m going on a broadcast!!”

“Wow~ Amazing! Hey, guys, Yeoshin is going on a broadcast!!”

.

.

.

“Huh? Are you dating Ji Tae?”

“Amazing!!”