BNK’s Byun So-jeong Earns First All-Star Nod After Fan-Driven Campaign
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A surge in fan support propelled Busan BNK Some’s Byun So-jeong to her first appearance in the WKBL All-Star Game, a moment five seasons in the making for the 22-year-old forward. The announcement, made by the Korea Women’s Basketball League (WKBL) on Thursday, revealed Byun So-jeong secured the 14th spot with an impressive 8,459 votes in the fan balloting for the 2025-2026 BNK Financial Women’s Professional Basketball All-Star Game.
Overcoming Obstacles to Reach the “Feast of the Stars”
Byun So-jeong’s journey to the All-Star Game is particularly noteworthy, coming after a significant injury sidelined her for the entire 2023-24 season. Her return to the court has been marked by a renewed impact, contributing to BNK’s championship success last season and continued strong performance this year. Currently, in 11 games played as of Monday, she averages 21 minutes and 36 seconds of playing time, contributing 4.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists. This represents a substantial increase in playing time compared to her previous seasons, solidifying her role within the frontcourt alongside teammates Park Seong-jin and Kim Do-yeon.
Acknowledging Fan Support and Embracing the Opportunity
“I have a lot of thoughts, ‘Why was I chosen?’ but I am still grateful because it is based on fans’ votes,” Byun So-jeong shared in a recent interview with Star News. She expressed a desire to elevate her game, stating, “I feel like I have to do better because I like it so much.” The player initially confessed to not closely monitoring the voting results, but became aware of her rising popularity after fans began informing her of her near-certain selection during an away game against Shinhan Bank on the 13th. “Ever since the away game against Shinhan Bank, fans have been contacting me and saying, ‘It’s 100% confirmed as an All-Star.’ I didn’t even know what place I was going to be,” she recounted, adding with a laugh, “So I said, ‘Why am I there?’” Despite her initial surprise, Byun So-jeong intends to fully embrace the experience, stating, “If I’m going to go, I plan to have fun.”
Sisterly Pride and a Lighthearted Rivalry
The All-Star selection has also sparked playful banter within her family. Her younger sister, Byun Ha-jeong of Woori Bank, publicly praised her older sister’s talent. Byun So-jeong responded with characteristic humility, playfully dismissing the compliment. “It’s a lie. Ha-jeong has more talent,” she asserted, jokingly adding, “I don’t have any talent, and if you put me down, I’ll be worse off.” She even quipped about a potential disguise, saying, “As a joke, I said to Ha-jeong, ‘I think I can let you out secretly because you look like me.’ If you lower your eyebrows, you won’t know.”
Dancing Expectations and Fan Engagement
Fans are eagerly anticipating Byun So-jeong’s potential performance beyond the court, specifically regarding the All-Star Game’s tradition of dancing. She acknowledged the excitement, recounting how fans immediately inquired about her planned routine. “Everyone’s eyes lit up and asked, ‘What are you going to do?’ and I just said, ‘Don’t get your hopes up. I’m going to send Ha-jung, not me,’” she said, referencing her sister. She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting that a fan even wrote a letter specifically requesting a dance performance, prompting them to rally further votes. “The love of all the fans gathered together to allow me to participate in the All-Star Game,” she affirmed.
Team Dynamics and Close Friendships
Byun So-jeong will play for Team Ponible, led by BNK coach Park Jeong-eun, alongside fellow All-Stars Sonia Kim and Sohee Lee, who will compete on Team Univel. She expressed her determination to perform well under her coach’s guidance. Beyond her teammates, Byun So-jeong finds comfort in the presence of close friends. Kim Dan-bi (Woori Bank), a former teammate from their Shinhan Bank days, will also be participating, and she will be reunited with Park So-hee (Hana Bank), a friend of ten years since their time together at Cheongsol Middle School and Bundang Management High School. The pair are even collaborating on a vlog documenting their All-Star experience for the WKBL’s official YouTube channel, ‘Yeonong TV’.
Byun So-jeong playfully admitted, “(Park) So-hee came and said, ‘Hey So-jeong, we should be on the same team,’” and added with self-deprecating humor, “I’m sure no one is curious about our vlog…” She continued, “(Being on the same team) Park So-hee liked her more than me. She said, ‘You can’t send it to (Lee) Hae-ran. You have to be with me no matter what.’ And even after the All-Star results were announced, she sent me a DM (direct message) and said, ‘So-jeong, we’re on the same team.’ She’s a really funny kid.”
Reflecting on the season thus far, Byun So-jeong credited the team’s trust for her increased playing time and improved confidence. “I was able to play the game for a long time because the team trusted me. Even though I was injured and had to rest for a long time, I feel very grateful for their trust in me,” she stated. She acknowledged initial struggles, confessing, “I was so upset in the beginning,” but emphasized her recent progress, adding, “I tried to feel at ease and be confident, and I’ve come up a lot recently, so I feel more comfortable.”
Busan = Reporter Yang Jeong-woong orionbear@mtstarnews.com