While Hee Chan Hwang was disappointed not to contribute more on the pitch this season, he remained a positive influence on the Wolves group off it and described the vibe in the Old Gold dressing room as “amazing”.
The South Korean has now completed his fourth campaign at Molineux and has grown in stature within the group in that period, using his experience from more than 100 games representing the club.
By his own admission the 2024/25 campaign was a difficult one, with injuries, form and change in staff all having an influence on a campaign where he scored twice in 21 games, having started just five matches in the Premier League.
However, later this month the attacker has the opportunity to help fire his country to next summer’s World Cup, which he hopes could lay the foundation for a more fruitful campaign next time around.
On a difficult season individually
“For me, personally, it was not an easy season. After a good season [last year], I didn’t expect it like this. I’m a little bit upset, but this situation doesn’t decrease my value, and doesn’t change what I did here before, over the four years.
“Even if I didn’t play [much] this season, I’m still a good player and I never give up. I give everything every single day, and it’s not easy to give everything if you’re not playing, but I’m experienced and want to show them no negative vibes and try to give good vibes and positive things.
“This season I got some injuries, but injuries I can handle. When I’m injured, I try to be healthy as soon as possible. Before training I prepare everything and after I try to do everything to recover for the next day, next session. I hope I don’t get many injuries next season and if I’m not injured, I know I’m can really help my team a lot. I hope next season everything will be OK.”
On remaining an influence in the dressing room
“Whoever starts, I want to give them good vibes. I try to help the young players and influence some things. Our results have been not bad, our team spirit is amazing, we trust each other, and I think we will be better next season.
“Our team vibe is amazing, and everyone is very honest and close. We always try to help each other and push each other. I feel like I really love them, I really want to see them for a long time, that’s what I’ve felt this season. That’s why on the pitch we understand each other very well.”
On his season highlight
“Personally, it was against Tottenham. Many Korean people visited and against Sonny, it’s always special against him. That game I scored and heard many Korean people wanted to shout, but they couldn’t because they were in the Tottenham seats. It was so good to play there and to score. It was a very special goal.”
On South Korea’s World Cup aim this June
“We expected more in March, but we didn’t get what we wanted. We know we are a really good team and can win the next two games. We have to go with everything. Iraq are not easy to play, we know that, but we’ve played for a long time together, we know each other very well, not like here [at Wolves] but we know each other well. It’s a very important game for qualification and the World Cup.
“We still talk about the last World Cup. I’ve already played at two World Cups, so the next would be my third. I know the feeling and I know what mentality to go with. That’s why I want to say to my colleagues that I can help my friends and teammates. We don’t want to go to the World Cup just to play, we really want good results for the fans and for our country. Many players know that, so we’ll give everything.
“It was the first time I went to America with Wolves. That was good, the weather was good, the people were good. We’re excited to play there, and we go with the national team in September to play there. I’m really excited to play there.”
