Q: What are the hotel facilities for barrier use?
"The hotel rooms during the blockade were spacious and elegant, and the apartment I am currently living in, although ordinary, is equipped with a kitchen and a bathroom, except that it lacks a refrigerator. The apartment manager told me that there is CCTV monitoring in front of each room to ensure security.
Q: What is the dietary situation in our country?
"While in the hotel, I usually skipped breakfast and enjoyed ramen, instant rice and canned food brought from Korea for lunch. To cope with long-distance travel, I carried food that would last me three weeks, which led to overweight luggage and having to pay extra for check-in fees. Aside from lunch, I relied heavily on takeout for dinner. The barrier apartments only allowed me to order takeout once a day between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. I usually booked Korean food through the help of my teammates. Lunch was provided at the hotel, but it was an extra charge and not nutritious enough. After staying in the Barrier Apartment, I gradually returned to my normal lunch routine. The food here far exceeded my expectations, and I am confident that I will be able to adapt to Beijing's food very quickly.
Q: What do you most want to do when the quarantine is over?
"I longed to play soccer, even if it was just jogging, and it felt as if I was back at a training camp where I could use it. Are you curious about daily life in an isolated apartment? That is: wake up, eat, do the dishes, then go to sleep, wake up again, repeat the process, and continue eating and doing the dishes the next day.
Q: What was your schedule like after the quarantine ended?
"First I'll go to Beijing for a day's rest and then I'll get into the team's pre-season preparations. I've been in touch with the interpreter about the team's schedule and the interpreter is in charge of everything."
Q: How is your physical condition after a long period of time without training?
"I am indeed worried, but the start date of the Super League has not been finalized yet and there is still about a month to go. For me, one month's recovery time is enough. I can't wait for the opening day of the Chinese Super League and I'm eager to get back to Beijing as soon as possible, it's like being on Jeju Island for me. My goal is to arrive safely in Beijing, and coming here as a foreigner, I hope to show the strength I had when I was at Pohang FC. Last week, I had a video call with Guoan's head coach, who understands how difficult it is to live in isolation and gave me support. He told me that the first foreigner he signed since he took over as head coach was me. (Editor: Liu Shuitu)