It was something that prompted quite the reaction on social media, and Hwang Hee-chan has now finally given his reaction to Pep Guardiola referring to him as ‘The Korean Guy’.
The winger sat down with Wolves’ media team to film a video for the club’s YouTube channel, in which he took questions from fans.
The video was filmed before Hwang – who is Wolves’ top goalscorer with 11 goals this term – headed off to the Asia Cup with South Korea.
Hwang has been outstanding this season for Wanderers, with Gary O’Neil really getting the best out of him after a fairly mediocre first couple of seasons.
Some have actually pointed to what Pep Guardiola said as something that has coincided with Hwang’s amazing form of late – and the player has actually now suggested it has played a small part in his improvement…
Wolves star Hwang Hee-chan finally reacts to Pep Guardiola’s ‘Korean Guy’ comment
Back in September, Wolves were ready to host Manchester City at Molineux and a couple of days before the game, Pep Guardiola held his press conference.
The City boss was speaking about the threats in Wolves’ team, and named three specifically. Well, he actually named two, as he appeared to forget, or just not know, Hwang’s name.
He said: “Always we struggle in Wolves. And when you see the quality they have, especially up front with Neto, with Cunha and with the Korean guy… they are really, really good.”
Some people criticised Pep for his comment, feeling it to be a little disrespectful with some suggesting he should have asked someone.
The football scriptwriters were clearly watching this closely, as Hwang would then go on to score the winning goal for Wolves against City that weekend. That 2-1 win at Molineux is perhaps Woves’ most significant result so far this season.
Following that, Wolves brilliantly poked fun at Pep on TikTok.
Speaking about Pep’s comment, the very humble Hwang said (Wolves official): “When I heard ‘The Korean Guy’, some people had negative views. But I always think positively. I use it to motivate myself a lot.”
A classy response from Hwang
It is actually quite interesting to hear Hwang say that Guardiola’s comment actually served as fuel for him. It is as classy as you would expect from him.
Obviously the City manager didn’t mean anything by his comment – he simply couldn’t remember Hwang’s name. Maybe he could have asked someone for it, but it’s good to see Hwang using it positively.
Since that comment from the Spaniard, Hwang has scored seven goals and made three assists in the Premier League, so he really has responded in the best possible way.
Wolves fans will hope that when he gets back from Asia Cup duty, he can carry on where he left off.