Hyeongyu Oh’s heartfelt message to his former Celtic teammate, Hyunjun Yang, is a beautiful reminder of the connections that players form during their time together at a club, even when their paths diverge. After moving to Genk in the summer following a frustrating stint on the bench at Celtic, Oh has flourished. His performances at Genk have been impressive, with the South Korean striker making over 30 appearances and scoring 12 goals. His success is not only limited to his club career—Oh has also earned two caps for South Korea, further cementing his place in the national team setup.
Oh’s move from Celtic was prompted by his need for regular first-team football, something that was hard to come by during his time at Parkhead. Despite his undeniable potential, Oh struggled to secure a starting position and often found himself sidelined. His move to Genk has allowed him to fully showcase his talents, and his performances there have confirmed his quality. He has quickly become a key figure at the Belgian side, and his ability to find the back of the net has been crucial to Genk’s success this season. However, despite his growing prominence at Genk, Oh hasn’t forgotten his time at Celtic or the teammates he left behind, particularly Hyunjun Yang.
Yang, who joined Celtic in 2023, has also faced his fair share of challenges at the club. His first season was marked by frustration, as he struggled to adapt to the physicality and pace of Scottish football, with some fans questioning whether he could live up to his promise. The winger’s performances were often inconsistent, and many supporters hoped for more from the South Korean player. However, Yang’s story at Celtic has taken a positive turn this season, with the winger finally starting to show the form that had been expected of him when he first arrived. Under Brendan Rodgers, Yang has shown glimpses of his potential, particularly in his more recent appearances. Though he has largely been used as an impact player off the bench, he has demonstrated a maturity and flair that had previously been absent from his game.
What stands out in Oh’s message to Yang is the recognition of the struggles they both faced while at Celtic. Oh, who lived with Yang during their time together at the club, is well aware of the pressures that come with being a foreign player at a club like Celtic. The expectations are high, and when things don’t go as planned, it can be easy to lose confidence. But Oh’s message is full of pride and encouragement, acknowledging how difficult the journey has been for Yang and how impressed he is with his ability to overcome those challenges. Oh’s words, “I’m proud,” show a deep sense of camaraderie and respect for his former teammate’s resilience. It’s clear that Oh has followed Yang’s progress at Celtic, and he seems genuinely happy to see Yang starting to thrive after a tough start.
Oh’s words are significant not only because they show his continued support for Yang but also because they highlight the difficult path that many players face when moving to new clubs. Yang’s struggles at Celtic have been public, and many fans have been vocal in their disappointment with his early performances. But what’s becoming clear this season is that Yang is starting to make an impact, even if it’s still in a limited capacity. Under Rodgers, Yang’s role at Celtic has shifted, and he’s been used more effectively as an option off the bench, where he’s been able to bring energy and creativity to the team. His improved form this season suggests that Rodgers is finding ways to bring out the best in Yang, helping him to find a balance between being an effective squad player and potentially earning more significant minutes in the future.
One of the most encouraging aspects of Yang’s progress is the increased quality he’s been able to show in fewer minutes. In his second season at Celtic, he seems to be more composed and decisive when he does get the chance to play. He’s making contributions that are not only noticeable to the coaching staff but also to the fans, who are beginning to see glimpses of the player they hoped he would become. While Yang is still a work in progress, his impact this season is far more significant than in his debut year. His performances are showing that he is growing in confidence, and under the guidance of Rodgers, it seems that he is slowly but surely finding his place within the team.
What makes this story even more special is the fact that it comes full circle. Oh, who was once in Yang’s shoes at Celtic, is now thriving at Genk, and his success serves as a reminder of what can happen when players are given the chance to play regularly and build their confidence. Oh’s decision to leave Celtic may have been seen as a disappointment at the time, but his growth and success at Genk are proof that sometimes a change of scenery is necessary for players to reach their full potential. Now, as Oh shines in Belgium, he is offering encouragement and support to Yang, who is starting to find his own rhythm at Celtic.
It’s fascinating to see how these two players, both South Korean talents, have taken different paths to find success. Oh’s thriving at Genk has been a testament to the importance of getting regular game time, while Yang’s improvement at Celtic shows that with patience and the right environment, players can overcome initial struggles and develop into key contributors. Yang’s progress is especially significant because it shows that, despite a rocky start, he has the potential to become a key player at Celtic. His recent form suggests that Rodgers is starting to find ways to unlock his potential, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could become an important figure for Celtic in the years to come.
For Celtic fans, there is hope that Yang’s development under Rodgers will continue to progress. His recent performances have shown that he can be an asset to the team, and if he continues to work hard and improve, there is no reason why he cannot become a mainstay in the Celtic starting lineup. Meanwhile, Oh’s success at Genk will continue to inspire those who watched him struggle at Celtic, as it serves as a reminder that sometimes players just need the right opportunity to show what they’re truly capable of.
Both Oh and Yang’s stories are ones of perseverance and growth. Oh, despite his challenges at Celtic, has found his stride in Belgium, while Yang, despite a rocky start at Celtic, is beginning to show the form that fans hoped for. The mutual respect they have for one another is evident in Oh’s message, and it’s clear that both players are on the right path. If Yang can continue to build on his recent performances, he could become the player that many believed he could be when he first arrived at Celtic. And who knows, maybe one day the two will meet again on the pitch, with Yang continuing his rise at Celtic and Oh solidifying his place as a key player in Belgium. For now, though, it’s clear that both are moving in the right direction, and Celtic fans will be hoping that Yang can continue to prove his worth, just as Oh has done since his departure.