[Archive] Oh Kwang Hun’s letter to Shin Yubin: “You may face criticism from the media, but think of that as another source of strength, and don’t lose. Be confident and keep going.”

Oh Kwang Hun [Former Head Coach of the South Korean Women’s National Team] Vol. 4

Oh Kwang Hun and Shin Yubin were subjected to fierce criticism from the media and the public after the World Championships Busan 2024 in February.
Then, six months later, they won medals at the Paris Olympics. The story of Oh Kwang Hun and Shin Yubin up to that point, and the bond with their teammates, was far deeper than can be told in full.
This is the final installment of a long interview with Oh Kwang Hun. <2024 Interview> OLYMPIC PHOTO Remy Gros

Oh Kwang Hun  OH Kwang Hun

Born September 9, 1970, in Bucheon, South Korea. At 22, he began coaching Seoul Commercial High School as a professional table tennis coach. At 24, he came to Japan and served as head coach of Shukutoku Junior College (later Shukutoku University). He later became a coach for the Japanese women’s national team and head coach of the women’s junior national team. In 2017, he returned to South Korea and, after coaching a corporate team, became head coach of the South Korean women’s national team in 2022. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he won two medals in the Mixed Doubles and women’s team events. As of 2024, he serves as GM of the corporate team "Poram"

Jeon Jihee said in an interview, “The coach isn’t to blame. Shin Yubin isn’t to blame either. I’m the one at fault,” to the media

Oh Kwang Hun turned off his smartphone and shut himself away at home. The 20-year-old Shin Yubin was mentally exhausted.
The World Championships in February 2024 were the home event in Busan. Their opponent in the Quarter-final was powerhouse China. They lost to China and missed out on a medal, but where was the reason for blaming the South Korean women?
Or was it jealousy and resentment toward the fact that Oh Kwang Hun, who had no accomplishments as a Player, had become head coach? Many people seemed to be waiting for a chance to criticize Oh Kwang Hun. “I didn’t even want to talk anymore. So I was planning to quit,” said Oh Kwang Hun. With the Paris Olympics approaching, the coach was torn.

“Around March 13 or 14, I called all the national team staff to a place near my home and, while we were having dinner together, told them, ‘I’ve decided what to do’” (Oh Kwang Hun).
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●—So you started over again there. Were you able to prepare well for the Olympics?　

Oh Kwang Hun (hereafter Oh）　I’m also grateful to Jeon Jihee. After the World Championships, there was a lot of criticism after the loss to China, but Jeon Jihee said in an interview, “The coach isn’t to blame. Shin Yubin isn’t to blame either. I’m the one at fault,” to the media. She said, “Because my world ranking was low, the South Korean team’s ranking didn’t make the top four. That’s why we drew China in the Quarter-final.” Jeon Jihee also said, “From now on, I’ll do my very best to raise my ranking.” Hearing that made me really happy, and it gave me strength again.　

　I was always in charge of Jeon Jihee and Shin Yubin, so I was always on the bench with the two of them. Shin Yubin also lost 3-2 to Polcanova (Austria) at WTT Champions Incheon in March after leading 2-0. She had lost her confidence. I had no confidence either. Shin Yubin and I didn’t talk for about a week. Shin Yubin also felt sorry.

●—It’s not as if you were fighting or anything like that….

Oh　That’s right. There’s definitely something in Shin Yubin’s heart, but she can’t put it into words.