13.02.2026 13:08
Konyaspor's South Korean player Jinho Jo visited a 96-year-old Korean War veteran at his home.
The South Korean player of TÜMOSAN Konyaspor, Jinho Jo, visited 96-year-old Korean War veteran İhsan Damdam at his home in Konya. The 23-year-old footballer, who joined the green-white team at the beginning of the season, paid a visit to İhsan Damdam with club officials.
During the emotional and sometimes joyful visit at Damdam's home in the city center, Jinho gifted the Korean veteran a jersey with the number 96.
"WE WENT TO WAR IN KOREA"
Korean War veteran İhsan Damdam told AA reporter that they experienced tough days in Korea.
Stating that they served in areas with intense conflicts, Damdam said, "We didn't go to Korea for a vacation; we went to war. I had very bad days there. We entered a restricted area in North Korea. There were two towers, surrounded by gun barrels... Then there was a three-month truce, which is still ongoing. I am the only Korean veteran left. Koreans come to visit me, some cry, saying, 'If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be here.' Some fall to the ground. Koreans went through very tough days." he said.
Calling Jinho Jo "my friend," Damdam said, "I was very pleased and happy with the visit, like my grandson. I hope Konyaspor will be successful and come first. There is no lying around in Konya. They will shoot the balls at the goal. I used to go to Konyaspor's matches, I followed them. We used to sell cushions in the stadium. Now I can't watch their matches. I would like to go to Jo's match." he said.
"IT'S HARD TO DESCRIBE WHAT I FEEL"
Jinho Jo, who won the admiration of fans with his performance on the field, expressed his desire to be involved in the club's social activities.
Emphasizing that the visit to Korean War veteran İhsan Damdam was very meaningful for him, Jo said:
"I thank not only İhsan uncle but all Turkish veterans who came to fight for our country. It's an incredible feeling; it's hard to describe what I feel. Not just me, every Korean citizen must carry these feelings. I thank them very much for their service and the struggle they showed in our country. I also invited him to my match. I would be happy to see him watching from the stands."
"IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL TOGETHERNESS"
Konyaspor Club Football Branch Responsible Yusuf Küçükbakırcı stated that the visit was delayed due to the busy schedule and noted:
"When Jo talked about the only Korean veteran living in the city, he got very excited. Our İhsan uncle is the only veteran living in Konya. It was a beautiful togetherness. We invited İhsan uncle to the match. Hopefully, he will watch Jo's match in the stadium as soon as possible. Jo has also gained the love of our fans in a short time. In this sense, it was an important visit."