US Open winner Jeon In-ji draws great popularity

Jeon In-ji’s ears may have been burning on a flight to Korea on Tuesday after winning the 70th U.S. Women’s Open, as not only golf fans but also the general public talked much about Jeon who made a memorable LPGA debut. More than 200 join Jeon’s Internet fan café "Flying Dumbo" a day, reaching 4,000 in total. Since opening her fan café on the web in June 2013, Jeon has become a golf star having the biggest number of fan café members among domestic golfers within just two years.

Excellent performance, attractive appearance, and humble and polite manners are mentioned as the reason for Jeon’s surging popularity. Her image as a smart golfer, who had been a mathematics prodigy during the childhood and currently is a student of a prestigious university in Korea (International Sports Department at Korea University), also generated positive effect.

“Jeon’s face has unique characteristics, which are different from the small and well-defined face preferred by young Koreans. Jeon’s face has traditional features, which convey traditional beauty of Korea. She has a friendly smile with tenacity, a trait for a sports player,” said Dr. Kim Hyeong-joon at Geurim Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Jeon also draws popularity with her own way of communication with fans. She writes honestly how she feels in the Internet café for fans and have meals with fans who come to a golf event to cheer for her. Before the U.S. open, Jeon has explained the status of her injured left ankle in detail and left a message to the fans saying that (if fans stay awake to watch the golf game live on TV,) you would suffer from fitful sleep in the early morning. Please watch a rerun and support me when you have time. Her message shows careful consideration to look after others. “She used both hands to give a club to her caddy in the field. Even though her performance was not good, Jeon faithfully gave her autographs to her fans and posed for a picture with fans. Her attitude was fresh and impressive,” said a national team coach.

Jeon who is enjoying great popularity will compete in the KLPGA Tour BMW Championship to be held in Incheon Sky72GC Sky course on Jul. 16, without having time to take rest. In the championship with total prize money of 1.2 billion won (approx. USD 1.05 million), Jeon In-ji, Lee Jeong-min and Goh Jin-yeong, who are tied for the lead in wins with three, compete for the winner’s prize of 300 million won (approx. USD 262,800). Jeon, who is placed in the same group with Lee and Go during the first round, is expected to draw galleries. Another major competition Hite Jinro Championship organized by Jeon’s main sponsor Hite-Jinro will open in the next week. If Jeon wins this championship, Jeon will set an unprecedented record to win all three major titles in Korea, the U.S. and Japan LPGAs during the same season. Fever for Jeon is expected to continue for a while.

kjs0123@donga.com