Chong Te-se scores first goal for Suwon

By Do Je-hae

Suwon Samsung Bluewings’ Chong Te-se finally scored his first goal Saturday after joining the local club during a fifth round match of the K League Classic against Daegu FC.

He had been goalless since his move to Suwon in January in his previous showings in the K League Classic as well as the AFC Champions League, the premier Asian club football competition.

One of the most sensational acquisitions of the offseason, the North Korean striker had been expected to bring more popularity to the K League Classic which kicked off March 2 for a nine-month run.

Some impatient fans and press were ready to write him off, until he led his team’s 3-1 victory Saturday over Daegu FC with one goal and one assist during a home game at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.

The debut goal was especially emotional for him, particularly after he missed two penalty kicks during a match against Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol last Wednesday in the third round of Group H at the AFC Champion League (Kashiwa Reysol beat Suwon 6-2). After the goal, he knelt down and burst into tears.

Suwon Samsung Bluewings forward Stevo Ristic celebrates with striker Chong Te-se after Chong assisted his goal during a match against Daegu FC at the Suwon World Cup Stadium, Saturday. / Yonhap

“I was so embarrassed after the match against Kashiwa Reysol. There were a lot of expectations for me to score goals. Sometimes I couldn’t sleep because of the pressure,” Chong said during a press conference Saturday. “Tonight, I think I will sleep well.”

He said that the penalty kicks at the AFC were some of the most painful memories of his career.

The 29-year-old said that he was able to overcome the embarrassment at the AFC and focus on future games because of Suwon coach Seo Jung-won’s unwavering support.

“My coach kept his faith in me. He complimented my performance, even when it was goalless,” Chong said. “I hope to be able to help my team with more goals in the future.”

After joining Kawasaki Frontale in 2006, the striker became one of Kawasaki’s best players and one of the best strikers in the J-League. After the 2010 World Cup, the Nagoyua native joined German club VfL Bochum.

After one and half seasons in the 2. Bundesliga, Jong transferred to 1. FC Koln. He announced he would join Suwon on Jan. 3, triggering a lot of media attention because of his previous record of playing for the North Korean national team.

Suwon Samsung Bluewings will next play against FC Seoul on April 14.

Suwon is currently ranked first in the K League Classic ranking, ahead of the Pohang Steelers and Ulsan Hyundai Tigers.