Strong Contenders Make a Comeback in K League 1
Jeonbuk Hyundai, managed by Jeong Jeong-yong, and Daejeon Hana Citizen, led by Hwang Sun-hong, were among the top contenders for the K League 1 title this season. However, their performance in the early stages of the league was underwhelming, leading to concerns among fans. Both teams, however, delivered decisive victories last weekend, signaling a potential turnaround in their campaigns.
Daejeon Hana Citizen, under the guidance of Hwang Sun-hong, secured a 4-1 away win against Ulsan HD, the league’s second-place team, on the 26th. This victory marked a significant moment for the club, as they had previously struggled with four losses in their last five matches. Daejeon had already defeated first-place FC Seoul on the 18th, adding to their growing momentum. The win brought them to seventh place with three wins, three draws, and four losses, accumulating 12 points.
Despite these positive results, Daejeon still faces challenges. The club made substantial investments this season, bringing in star players such as former Ulsan midfielder Um Won-sang and Rubickson. However, their poor early-season performance has led to a decline in fan support. Attendance figures have dropped significantly: from 14,787 at the home opener on the 2nd of last month to 7,082 for the Gangwon match on April 12, and further down to 2,908 for the Jeju match on the 22nd.
Jeonbuk Hyundai, managed by Jeong Jeong-yong, also staged a dramatic comeback with a 3-2 victory over Pohang in their home game on the same day. Kang Sang-yoon’s goal in stoppage time proved crucial, following the inclusion of Lee Seung-woo as a starter. This win propelled Jeonbuk back to third place with four wins, three draws, and three losses, totaling 15 points.
The team had faced criticism after losing to promoted teams Bucheon in the opener and Incheon 1-2 at home on the 21st. Calls for Manager Jeong’s dismissal had surfaced among fans, but the recent victory helped ease the pressure. Despite being considered to have an “overwhelming squad,” Jeonbuk currently trails league leaders Seoul by a 10-point gap, indicating that there is still a long road ahead.
Attendance at Jeonbuk’s home games has also seen a decline. The opener attracted 20,681 spectators, followed by 20,532 for the Ulsan match on the 4th. However, the attendance dropped to 14,501 for the recent Pohang game. For both managers, the immediate challenge is to maximize their results by the 15th round, which will conclude before the World Cup break in mid-next month.
Membership Offers for Newspaper Readers
For newspaper readers, there are special membership offers available. A 5900 won membership provides access to a range of benefits, including a discounted rate of 2900 won for newspaper readers. The Chosun Membership offers 55000 won worth of newspapers and magazines, allowing members to read eight different publications. Additionally, members can receive 7000 points that can be used like cash for shopping, making it an attractive option for frequent readers.
These offers aim to enhance the reading experience and provide added value to loyal readers. As the K League 1 season progresses, both Jeonbuk and Daejeon will need to maintain their momentum and address the challenges they face to secure their positions in the league table.
