Until the day before the game, he kept icing his eyes. Despite struggling to see through his swollen eyelids, he sprinted for 90 minutes. Jeonbuk Hyundai's rookie Jeon Jin-woo responded with fighting spirit in the 'Hyundai Derby.'

Jeon Jin-woo started in the Hyundai Derby against Ulsan Hyundai during the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 Round 17 held at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on the 31st of last month, playing the full 90 minutes. The result was 3-1. Jeonbuk solidified their position at the top with a thrilling comeback victory over Ulsan.

Although he did not record any goals or assists, Jeon Jin-woo constantly shook the Ulsan defense with his vigorous activity and sharp penetration. He suffered an eye injury during the last away match against Daegu and was still experiencing discomfort in his vision.

After the game, Jeon Jin-woo said, "I iced my eyes until this morning, rubbed an egg over them, and tried everything possible," adding, "My right eye was a bit blurry, and I felt cramps, but I wanted to keep running until the end. I didn't want to stop." Although the bruise around his eye was still dark, his expression was bright.

It was the day he experienced the biggest cheer since transferring to Jeonbuk. The Jeonju World Cup Stadium recorded a full house for the first time since its founding. Jeon Jin-woo expressed his emotions, stating, "I haven't won anything yet and there’s still a lot of the season left, so I wonder if I got too excited. But as a player, that kind of atmosphere was truly a first for me. This match will be a memorable one for myself."

Jeon Jin-woo also stated that he would use the feelings from that day as motivation for the future. He mentioned, "If we do win, I believe the emotions will be even greater than today. Thinking about that, I want to give my best in every game."

However, his schedule did not end there. Immediately after the match, he moved to Incheon International Airport. This is because he needs to join the national football team right away. On the 2nd, he will be named for the first time in his life to the A national team gathering led by Coach Hong Myung-bo and could not hide his excitement.

Jeon Jin-woo said, "Honestly, I don't think I will be able to sleep after today's match. My body is tired, but my heart is just excited." He smiled, saying, "I’m moving to Incheon tomorrow, but I should get a massage before I go."

He is especially motivated by the fact that he can play with Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) and Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur). Jeon Jin-woo said, "This is my first time meeting Lee Kang-in since the Under-20 World Cup. This is my first time with Son Heung-min. It’s hard to believe that I will be training and playing with players I’ve only seen on TV."

He continued, "They are players who are much better than I am, but if I can add even a little vitality to the team, that will be my role. Regardless of whether I play in the matches or not, I’ll give it my all."

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