Jung Kyung-ho, Coach of Kangwon FC, and the Korean Professional Football League's Challenges
[MyDaily = Seoul World Cup Stadium, Reporter Choi Byung-jin] In a moment of reflection and perhaps desperation, Coach Jung Kyung-ho of Kangwon FC found himself holding a megaphone, a symbol of direct communication and transparency.
In a match that tested their mettle, Kangwon FC faced a disheartening 2-4 defeat against FC Seoul during the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025' round 34 clash, which unfolded at the iconic Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 26th of the month.
This particular loss struck Kangwon FC with a profound sense of disbelief. Initially, the team displayed aggressive forward momentum from the outset, applying relentless pressure that left Seoul struggling to advance their game plan. Their strategy paid off as Kim Gun-hee found the net in the first half, and Mo Jae-hyun added to the lead with a penalty kick at the beginning of the second half.
However, the match took a drastic turn from the 27th minute of the second half, where Kangwon's defenses crumbled, allowing three rapid goals in the span of seven minutes. Lingard's impressive performance delivered multiple goals, followed swiftly by Ryu Jae-moon and Chun Sung-hoon's decisive strike, cementing Seoul’s triumph.
Post-match, Kangwon's traveling supporters handed a megaphone to Coach Jung, a gesture symbolizing their desire for explanations beyond the immediate loss to Seoul.
A pattern has emerged recently in Kangwon’s games, where a stark contrast exists between their first and second half performances. In the opening halves, Coach Jung’s strategic model operates seamlessly, often leaving opponents overwhelmed. Yet, the latter halves have been marked by unforeseen collapses.
Kangwon FC and the Korean Professional Football League's Ongoing Story
In an earlier confrontation against FC Anyang (Round 32), Kangwon had secured a slim 1-0 lead, only to concede an equalizer in the dying moments. Similarly, against Daegu FC, a promising 2-0 advantage dissolved into a 2-2 draw. The AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) encounter with Vissel Kobe echoed this narrative, turning a 3-0 first-half lead into a 3-3 draw, despite Kim Gun-hee’s last-minute winning goal. This mounting anxiety found its expression disastrously in the loss against Seoul.
Disappointment has brewed among Kangwon’s supporters, prompting Coach Jung to face them with a megaphone, offering apologies. During the post-game press conference, Coach Jung acknowledged, "The fans and I share similar sentiments. Their disappointment likely surpasses ours. They consistently urge us to maintain pressure in the second half. I acknowledge this responsibility and commit to addressing it."
Addressing the apparent weaknesses in second-half resilience is imperative, yet the discourse around the 'megaphone' incident is polarized. Despite finishing as unexpected runners-up last season and securing Final A status for two consecutive years, Kangwon stands third in the ACLE with a commendable record of 2 wins and a single loss from three matches. A league official questioned, "Given Kangwon’s achievements and the club’s resources, is such criticism warranted?"
The Role of Jung Kyung-ho in Steering Kangwon FC Through the Korean Professional Football League
A critical factor in Seoul’s comeback was the superior quality of their substitutes. Kangwon’s reliance on a predominantly domestic lineup due to Gabriel’s suspension, for instance, highlighted their vulnerability. While Lingard emerged as a pivotal figure, Kangwon lacked foreign players on the bench. This situation raises the question of the feasibility of achieving success with largely domestic talent. Furthermore, an official noted, "Considering this is Coach Jung’s maiden official season as head coach, some perspective is essential." Enhancing second-half performance and effective use of substitutes remain key areas for Coach Jung to tackle.
Coach Jung shared his mixed emotions, stating, "Sleepless nights are spent analyzing our opponents," underscoring, "Our trajectory shows significant growth – we were runners-up last season and reached Final A this year. These are no small feats, both for me and the team." He added, "I recognize the fans' desire for even greater success and resolve to improve our second-half performances. It’s crucial that we rally together for the journey ahead," he appealed for continued support.