HEARTFELT FAREWELL: Kwon Hyeok-Kyu Leaves Celtic With Tears, Gratitude, and Eternal Green Pride
By Ailsa Kerr | July 26, 2025
GLASGOW — On a cloudy Friday morning, the air around Celtic Park hung heavy with emotion as news broke that South Korean midfielder Kwon Hyeok-Kyu would be parting ways with Celtic FC. Though his time in Glasgow was short and his appearances limited, Kwon’s emotional farewell, posted to Instagram late last night, has left a lasting impression on Celtic fans around the world.
> “Hi Celts, it’s time to say goodbye,” the 23-year-old wrote, accompanied by a photo of himself gazing out over the empty stands of Paradise. “I loved you guys so much, and I’m going to miss it here. I didn’t want to say goodbye like this. Really sorry I didn’t help the team a lot.”
The post, written in a mix of English and Korean, struck a deeply personal tone. A red heart emoji punctuated his sadness. “But I was proud to be a member of this team. I’ll always support this team anywhere. Good luck with this season. Glasgow will be green forever.” 🌿
A Quiet Warrior
Signed from Busan IPark in 2023 with much anticipation, Kwon arrived in Scotland with towering potential. At 6’3”, calm in possession and disciplined off the ball, he was billed as a long-term midfield solution. But as fate would have it, injuries, managerial transitions, and fierce competition in the squad kept Kwon on the fringes.
He made just 11 appearances in all competitions—eight in domestic cups and three brief stints in the league. While he never found the back of the net in the Hoops jersey, those who watched closely noted his tactical intelligence, crisp passing, and relentless work ethic in training.
“He never sulked. Never complained,” said assistant manager John Kennedy. “He trained like he was going to start every week. He gave everything to this club, even when the minutes weren’t there.”
A Bond Beyond the Game
What Kwon lacked in playing time, he made up for in spirit. Celtic supporters, particularly in the Green Brigade, quickly embraced the midfielder for his humble demeanor, respectful presence, and efforts to immerse himself in Glaswegian culture.
> “He’d come to charity events, help distribute food in Govanhill, and even learned some Scots slang,” said fan representative Maggie McLaren. “We loved him not because of what he did on the pitch—but because he showed us what it means to care.”
In his final days at Celtic Park, Kwon was spotted visiting youth academies and leaving personalized thank-you notes for staff at Lennoxtown.
One note read simply: “Thank you for believing in me even when I couldn’t show everything. I’ll carry Celtic in my heart wherever I go.”
Future Unwritten
Though his next destination remains unconfirmed, sources close to the player suggest a return to the K League is likely, with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors rumored to be leading the chase.
Kwon’s departure marks another chapter in Celtic’s evolving squad under head coach Brendan Rodgers, who praised the South Korean’s “unwavering professionalism” and “infectious positivity” in a short statement.
> “Kwon didn’t get the breaks here, but he showed us something deeper than football—heart,” Rodgers said. “And that’s what this club is all about.”
Legacy in Emotion
In a club where legends are made through goals and silverware, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu’s legacy is one of connection, dignity, and quiet devotion. For many in the Celtic faithful, that matters just as much—if not more—than medals.
As the sun set behind the East Stand, a banner was unfurled in the Green Brigade section. In green and white, it read:
“KWON FOREVER: PARADISE REMEMBERS HEART, NOT JUST HIGHLIGHTS.”
And just like that, a young man from South Korea walked quietly into Celtic history—not as a star, but as a brother
Ailsa Kerr covers Scottish football and culture. She has written for The Scotsman, Football365, and The Celtic View.
