
The 2025 K-League has already reached its 11th round, and it is shaping up to be a season full of surprises and chaos. Teams like Pohang and Gangwon, who performed well last year, have suffered back-to-back losses. Meanwhile, Daejeon and Daegu—ranked 9th and 11th last season—have climbed to the top with a series of wins. Anyang, newly promoted from the second division, is also performing unexpectedly well. With every team on a similar level, this year’s championship race is more competitive than ever.
Hoping to witness Jeonbuk’s recent improvement continue, I visited the Sangam World Cup Stadium for their match against FC Seoul. This match-up, often called the
“JeonSeol” rivalry, has always drawn strong attention.
FC Seoul, the home team, finished the 2024 season in 4th place in the final round and earned a spot in the Asian Champions League 2. They seemed to show an early momentum this year, but struggling with recent losses, are now desperate for a win. On the other hand, the away team, Jeonbuk Hyundai, had its worst season in 2024, finishing 10th and facing relegation playoffs. They finished the season in 10th place, missing the playoffs. However, after spending the winter transfers with a new coach, they have bounced back with a winning streak.
The match began with MGB(Jeonbuk's fans)’s cheering song
"As Long As My Heart Beats". In the 23rd minute, Jeonbuk’s Song Min-gyu scored the opening goal after receiving a cross from Kim Tae-hwan. The first half ended fruitlessly. In the second half, Jeonbuk stepped down with a defensive posture. Seoul tried hard to equalize but could not break through. A second goal by Kang Sang-yoon was later canceled due to a handball foul by Compagno. The match ended with Jeonbuk defending their lead, and the stadium echoed with O’O Rele chants from more than 7,000 MGBs. The team continued their seven-year unbeaten record in away matches at Sangam.
Below are the impressions from student reporters who watched the soccer match in real time:
I-re Kim: “I used to only watch football during World Cups, but watching a live K-League match really changed my perspective. The fans and the atmosphere made me more interested in the sport.”
Yu-jeong Jang: “It was my first live game, and the fans' cheering filled me with passion. I focused on every move the players made.”
Do-hye Kim: “Though I support Seoul, I watched from Jeonbuk’s section. I felt a surprising sense of unity, cheering with others.”
Seon-woo Kim: “This was my first time watching soccer. I didn’t understand the hype before, but now I get the passion.”
As of Round 14, Jeonbuk Hyundai ranks second with 28 points—tied with Daejeon, who has played one more match. This season’s unpredictable results make Jeonbuk’s comeback even more exciting to follow.