"The club cast a spell over me!"
Hertha BSC celebrated our 130th birthday last summer. In the long history of the club, six players from East and South Asia have pulled on the famous blue and white shirt – three from Japan and one apiece from Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. A seventh name will soon join the list: Dongjun Lee. It will be the first time that a player from South Korea represents the Old Lady. “I know that there were other interested clubs but I had a good feeling about Hertha from the start and so I didn't have to think about it for long. The club cast a special spell over me,” said the new signing, who was presented by Fredi Bobic and co. on Saturday. Lee becomes our third signing of the winter window. In his first interview with herthabsc.com, the 24-year-old international discusses a turbulent few days, his ambitions on the pitch and his footballing compatriots.
herthabsc.com: Dongjun, welcome to Hertha BSC and welcome to Berlin! Tell us how you're feeling after such a busy few days?
Lee: I’m really happy and I feel very honoured. Hertha BSC is a massive club with great tradition. I'm over the moon to become a part of this club today. The last few days were a little crazy, everything happened so fast. I was with the national team in Lebanon and so I landed in Berlin after travelling via Beirut and then Paris. After further discussions and tests everything is signed and sealed now and I will be flying back to rejoin the national team in Dubai where we are playing against Syria. And then finally I'll be back with Hertha!
herthabsc.com: Many European clubs have been scouting you for years. How did the move to Berlin come about and what were the key factors behind your decision to join the Old Lady?
Lee: I know that there were other interested clubs but I had a good feeling about Hertha from the start and so I didn't have to think about it for long – especially since the talks between my agent and the club officials went really smoothly. The club cast a special spell over me. As a team we want to improve bit by bit and reach our goals together.
[>]I’m a quick player who likes to pull defences apart with my speed and then exploit those gaps. I would say that I’m always on the move, looking to get into challenges and be aggressive.[<]
herthabsc.com: What do you know of the Bundesliga? Are you in contact with other Koreans playing in the Bundesliga?
Lee: Obviously I know the Bundesliga, it's one of the biggest leagues in the world. I follow the games regularly from home – and now I get to be a part of it! (grins) That is a huge honour. Almost six years ago I even had the privilege of seeing a match live in the stadium. Borussia Dortmund beat Werder Bremen 3-2. I’m good friends with Freiburg’s Woo-Yeong Jeong too and so of course we spoke about the transfer. I’m also excited to hear what Heung-Min Son will have to say (smiles).
herthabsc.com: Your career has really picked up speed recently, you’ve been in the senior national team as well as mixing it at the Olympic Games. How do you explain your rapid development?
Lee: Even if it doesn’t sound particularly exciting, I’ve always tried to give my best and to stay positive with it. That development has been insane for me too! (grins) I always have to thank the people who have believed in me and helped me along the way. My former teammates are a part of that too, obviously. It’s a huge honour to represent my country. I soak up every single moment – regardless of the result.
herthabsc.com: For our fans: what type of player are you?
Lee: I’m a quick player who likes to pull defences apart with my speed and then exploit those gaps. On top of that, I would say that I’m always on the move, looking to get into challenges and be aggressive. I feel most comfortable on the right wing but I can play anywhere in the forward line. But it’s clear that I can still improve further in all areas of my game. I’d be happy if my new teammates can help me with that.
herthabsc.com: And in private? How would you describe yourself as a person?
Lee: (pauses for thought) Two things are really important to me in my life: family and football. Beyond that I'm a laid back guy. I want to find my feet quickly in Berlin, work hard to learn the language and just enjoy everything that lies ahead.