‘Pumjolnyeo’ Hong Ran "Nothing Changes Just Because I Got Married"

Hong Ran has gained a new title: ‘married woman.’ On the 1st, Hong Ran married the CEO of a certain venture investment company at Crest72 Glass Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul. In an interview with Asia Economy on the 3rd, she said with a bright smile, "Nothing changes just because I got married," adding, "My love for golf will remain unchanged." She continued, "I will continue to be involved in golf-related activities even after marriage," and smiled, asking for "more interest and support."

Hong Ran's love for golf is extraordinary. She said, "Golf is an eternal companion. I will enjoy spending my life working in golf-related fields."
[Photo by Hong Ran]

원본보기 아이콘

Hong Ran is the very ‘history of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA).’ She debuted on the KLPGA Tour in 2005 and has been regarded as an icon of a diligent golfer who maintained her tour card for 17 years. She has accumulated a total of four wins on the KLPGA Tour. She holds remarkable records such as being the first to surpass 1,000 rounds played, most appearances (356 times), and most cuts made (287 times). Since leaving the field last year, she has been serving as a mentor at the ‘Samchully Golf Academy,’ operated by Samchully, a comprehensive energy group she has been with since 2013, to nurture young female golf talents.

Hong Ran met her husband through a blind date in August 2021. After nurturing their love for about a year and a half, they tied the knot. The groom is an expert in the venture investment industry, having worked as a venture capital professional in the U.S. and as the head of the in-house venture capital team at GS Retail. Since late 2021, he has been supporting early-stage startups in Korea. Hong Ran said, "We have set up our newlywed home in Yongsan," and added, "We plan to go on our honeymoon to Hawaii in June." Hawaii is where Hong Ran used to go for training camps. She explained, "My husband really wanted to visit, so I gave in."

Hong Ran proudly spoke of her husband’s love for his wife. She said, "Before retiring last year, I participated in three tournaments, and he came to all of them to cheer me on," adding, "At the 18th hole of the second round of the E1 Charity Open in May, he even caddied for me to create memories." Her husband was also present at the Hoban Seoul Shinmun Women’s Classic in July last year and the official retirement ceremony held at the Hana Financial Group Championship in September.

When asked if she had any regrets after retirement, her answer was firm. She said, "I have no regrets despite retiring. I feel like I achieved everything I wanted over 17 years," adding, "All the moments of my four wins and the retirement ceremony are still vivid. I have no regrets because I did my best during my career."

Hong Ran married the CEO of a certain venture investment company and set up their newlywed home in Yongsan. She proudly said, "My husband always supports my decisions."
[Photo by Hong Ran]

원본보기 아이콘

Hong Ran attributes her longevity to work-life balance. Work-life balance is a shortened form of ‘Work-life balance.’ She emphasized, "In golf, maintaining work-life balance is important. Practicing alone doesn’t guarantee good performance," and added, "Players can easily get tired or fall into slumps. Just practicing continuously while others rest doesn’t necessarily lead to good results."

Regarding advice for juniors, Hong Ran responded cautiously. She said, "What I say is neither the absolute answer nor the wrong one because each player has different goals and approaches," and explained, "If a junior asks me for advice, I tell them that golf requires give-and-take. If you keep pulling all the time, you can easily get exhausted and the string can break, so proper adjustment is necessary."

Hong Ran stressed the importance of physical fitness management. She advised, "Balance is needed even in practice," and said, "You need to exercise more than just practice a lot." She added, "Since I was young, I did a lot of physical training with my dad. That was the foundation that made me who I am today," and continued, "For about 10 years, I ran 10 km a day. It helped improve my basic physical strength."

Hong Ran has a special love for golf. Last year, she served as a mentor for young players. She said, "There are separate directors and coaches, so I didn’t give lessons," but added, "Instead, I encouraged them and supported their golfing." This year, she is serving as a promotional ambassador for Samchully Motors and will also provide lessons to amateurs. She plans to share her golf know-how. For Hong Ran, golf is an ‘eternal friend.’ She expressed, "I think golf is a lifelong companion," and said, "No matter where I am or what I do, I will continue to be involved in golf-related work. I will always be with golf."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.