1. Overview
Choi In-chang (최인창Choi In-changKorean; born April 11, 1990) is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a striker. His career began in the K League Challenge with Bucheon FC 1995, where he made his professional debut and scored his first goal. He subsequently moved to various clubs in the National League and K3 League, contributing to team successes such as a National League runner-up finish and a K3 League championship. Known for his tall stature, Choi In-chang effectively utilizes his height in attacking plays while also possessing refined footwork, drawing comparisons to prominent strikers like Kim Shin-wook.
2. Early life and education
Choi In-chang's formative years and academic pursuits laid the groundwork for his football career.
2.1. Education
Choi In-chang attended Pohang Jecheol Middle School and Pohang Jecheol High School. Following his high school education, he enrolled at Hanyang University. During his time at university, he was initially designated as a priority pick by Pohang Steelers in the 2009 K League draft, a recognition of his potential. However, this priority designation was later revoked, leading him to pursue other avenues for his professional debut.
3. Club career
Choi In-chang's professional football journey began in the K League Challenge and saw him play for multiple clubs across various leagues in South Korea, demonstrating his adaptability and contributions to different teams.
3.1. Early career and K League Challenge debut
In the 2013 K League draft, Choi In-chang was selected by Bucheon FC 1995 as an expansion team priority pick, marking his entry into professional football. He debuted for Bucheon FC in the K League Challenge, the second tier of South Korean professional football. In his debut season, he made 10 appearances and scored one goal. His professional debut goal came on October 26, 2013, in a match against Goyang Hi FC. He scored an equalizer in the 48th minute of the second half, a crucial goal that rescued his team from a likely defeat. This significant moment occurred in only his sixth professional appearance.
3.2. Moves to National League and K3 League
After his stint with Bucheon FC, Choi In-chang transitioned to other leagues in South Korea. In 2015, he moved to Gyeongju Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power FC (Gyeongju KHNP), a club in the National League, which was then the third tier of Korean football. During his time with Gyeongju KHNP, he played in 11 matches, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists, contributing significantly to the team's runner-up finish in the National League 2015 season.
In 2017, he joined Changwon City FC. The following year, in 2018, he transferred to Gyeongju Citizen FC, where he also completed his military service as a public service worker. While with Gyeongju Citizen FC, he played a role in the club's overall championship victory in the K3 League. In 2020, Choi In-chang signed with Jeonju Citizen FC, continuing his career in the K3 League.
4. Playing style
Choi In-chang is primarily known for his role as a striker, effectively utilizing his considerable height to contribute to offensive plays. He has publicly stated that his role model is Kim Shin-wook, another prominent tall striker in South Korean football, indicating a shared approach to the game. Football officials have noted Choi In-chang's unique skill set, particularly highlighting his "top-tier footwork" despite his tall stature, which allows him to combine physical presence with technical ability in the attacking third.
5. Legacy and reception
Choi In-chang's career is marked by his consistent contributions to various clubs across different tiers of South Korean football, demonstrating a professional and dedicated approach to the sport.
5.1. Achievements and contributions
Throughout his career, Choi In-chang made notable contributions to his teams. With Gyeongju Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power FC in 2015, he played a key role in their National League 2015 runner-up finish, contributing with 3 goals and 3 assists in 11 appearances. Later, while at Gyeongju Citizen FC in 2018, he was part of the squad that achieved an overall championship in the K3 League, marking a significant team accomplishment. His ability to score crucial goals, such as his professional debut equalizer, underscores his impact in critical moments.