Celtic target Kwon Hyeok-kyu revealed the first time he was told about interest from the Hoops was from a South Korean army sergeant.
The 22-year-old central midfielder has been linked with a move to the Scottish champions in an Asian swoop along with countryman Yang Hyun-jun, who has been a long-term target.
Kwon was first linked with a switch to Scotland last year when former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou showed interest in the Busan IPark star.
At the time he was on loan at Gimcheon Sangmu - a second-tier team who are part of the sports division of the South Korean army - so he could complete his mandatory military service.
And he revealed the surprising way he first heard about Celtic's interest.
He said: "The first time I heard about a transfer to Celtic was from a sergeant in the army when I was at Gimcheon Sangmu, so it was an unusual way for me to find out!
"Then my agent confirmed the interest and told me I had an offer from a good club.
"When I heard it was from Celtic, I was delighted.
"My first thought was that I would get the chance to play in the Champions League.
"This would be a great opportunity for me to improve my game and a huge chance to really challenge myself.
"So if I get another offer from this club or a club in Europe, I will take it.
"But when I returned to Busan IPark, I had to go back to a relegated team. So I felt bad that they got relegated when I wasn't able to help them.
"My ultimate ambition is to wear the jersey of South Korea.
"Some people think that military service is unnecessary, but I was proud to help my country.
"I've played for the Under 23s and I hope there is an opportunity to win promotion to the senior squad."
Meanwhile, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed defender Alistair Johnston could miss the first two months of the new season following ankle surgery.
Canada right-back Johnston, a regular starter under former manager Ange Postecoglou after arriving from Montreal in January, initially sustained the injury in April.
The 24-year-old returned for last month’s Scottish Cup final win against Inverness, but has since failed to fully recover.
Rodgers, currently at a training camp in Portugal with his squad, said: “Alistair had an issue when he came back from international duty, a problem with his ankle.
“In the operation, he had a couple of bits removed, which was successful. He’s out here with us. It’s probably a six to eight-week injury, but hopefully he’ll be fit sooner than that.
“He’ll progress really well and better to have it done at this stage than some time during the season.”
