[Interview] Lee Hak-hyun: A Captain’s Final Season
- Joanne Lee
- Jan 25
- 3 min read
Jan 25, 2026
Joanne Lee
[Interview] Lee Hak-hyun: A Captain’s Final Season
Lee Hak-hyun, a senior guard who served as team captain last season, graduated from high school at the end of the season and is now preparing for the college league. He began playing basketball in the second grade of elementary school and went on to attend Samseon Elementary School and Samseon Middle School before advancing to Kyungbok High School. Since entering high school, he steadily increased his playing time and established himself as the team’s starting guard in his final season, displaying steady game management and leadership. In particular, during the King of Kings Champions Tournament held in Yanggu, he made a strong impression by playing the full 40 minutes and scoring 40 points against Sangsan Electronics High School. I spoke with Lee Hak-hyun, the team captain who led his team to a four-title season.
How do you feel now as you come to the end of your high school basketball career?
Hak-hyun: There were many difficult moments during my time at Kyungbok, but I also have many good and happy memories, which makes me feel especially bittersweet.
Looking back on your three years in high school, what moment stands out the most?
Hak-hyun: Winning the final of Seoul Representative Selection Tournament, stands out the most. It was an especially meaningful moment because Kyungbok was selected as Seoul’s representative for the first time in nine years, and it was also the first time I received a Most Valuable Player award.
In what aspect do you feel you have grown the most during your three years in high school?
Hak-hyun: I think I grew the most mentally. My attitude toward basketball and the way I think about the game developed significantly during my time in high school.
There must have been difficult moments during the season. How did you help lead the team through them?
Hak-hyun: During tough moments, I focused on lifting the team’s morale when the atmosphere was down. I often reminded my teammates that we could do it, that everything would be okay, and that we just needed to keep going together.
What kind of senior would you like to be remembered as by your underclassmen?
Hak-hyun: I hope to be remembered as a comfortable and approachable senior. It would also be nice if they remembered me as someone who played basketball well. (laughs)
If you could say one thing to your freshman-year self, what would it be?
Hak-hyun: If I could say one thing, I would tell myself not to give up and to work harder than ever.
Is there a teammate you are particularly thankful for or who left a lasting impression on you?
Hak-hyun: I am especially grateful to Sihu. Although he is a year younger, we are in the same grade, and he was a tremendous source of support for me throughout my time at Kyungbok.
Lastly, is there anything you would like to say to the fans, your family, and your coaches who
supported you?
Hak-hyun: I would like to sincerely thank all the fans who supported me. I am also deeply grateful to the coaches and head coach who believed in me, waited for me, and helped me continue to grow. Most of all, I want to thank my family, who always supported and believed in me from behind.
