Seoul achieved a great victory in a match dubbed the 'Ki Sung-yueng Derby,' successfully turning the atmosphere around amid chaos. However, the conflict surrounding the transfer of the club legend heated up both inside and outside the stadium.
FC Seoul defeated Pohang Steelers 4-1 in the 21st round home game of the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 29th. Continuing their unbeaten streak for four consecutive games (2 wins, 2 draws), Seoul climbed to 6th place with 30 points. Meanwhile, Pohang, with 32 points (9 wins, 5 draws, 7 losses), struggled to maintain 4th place.
The match went beyond simple ranking competition, focusing on the transfer issue of Ki Sung-yueng, who had been a symbol of the club. Ki Sung-yueng, who had only played in domestic leagues in Seoul, chose to part ways with the club after recent disagreements, and chose Pohang as his next destination. Pohang plans to formalize Ki Sung-yueng's signing through medical tests on Jul. 3.
Ki Sung-yueng watched the game from the stands. However, the reaction of Seoul fans was close to anger rather than mere coldness. Funeral performances, truck protests, and placard demonstrations erupted here and there condemning Ki Sung-yueng's transfer. Some fans still wore Ki Sung-yueng jerseys and expressed their mixed emotions while attending the game.
Before the game started, shouts of 'Kim Gi-dong out!' erupted, and even during the match, despite goals from Lingard and Dukes, the supporters did not stop chanting in support of coach Kim Gi-dong. The atmosphere grew even more delicate as chants of Ki Sung-yueng's song resonated.
Coach Kim Gi-dong expressed his official stance before the match. He noted, "I fully understand the complicated feelings of Seoul fans" and added, "While not every situation can be considered right, my belief in Seoul remains unchanged."
On the other hand, Pohang's head coach Park Tae-ha explained the transfer process, saying, "I heard through an agent that Ki Sung-yueng had left his team by chance," and "I originally had no summer recruitment plans, but I judged that Ki Sung-yueng could help the team and quickly moved forward after discussions with the club."
The match was a complete victory for Seoul. Foreign attackers including captain Lingard, Lucas, Dukes, and the recently joined Klimala all scored goals, securing a resounding victory.
However, the controversy surrounding coach Kim Gi-dong continued after the match. Fans explicitly showed their disconnection from the club despite the 'victory.' Ultimately, fans blocked the team bus. While players and coaching staff, including Kim Gi-dong, who finished the match after a great victory, were on the bus, Seoul fans shouted, 'Kim Gi-dong out!' They also emphasized their desire for communication with the coach by saying, 'Kim Gi-dong come out!'
Ultimately, Coach Kim Gi-dong mentioned that he would come out twice to hold a meeting with the fans and express his opinions once again.
As fans blocked the Seoul club bus, access to the parking lot was obstructed, making it difficult for regular vehicles to move.
Ultimately, the police intervened. The police requested that, for the movement of regular spectator vehicles, a passage needed to be secured through a loudspeaker. However, the anger of the fans did not easily subside. Some jeered at the police or expressed strong reactions by saying, 'Police, get out!'
While the police aimed for minimal intervention to maintain order, the confrontation with fans continued for some time. The Seoul fans' sorrow was considerable, but the players on the bus were also Seoul players. Displaying unruly behavior toward players exiting after a victory could not be justified.
Meanwhile, Ki Sung-yueng met with fans on the field after the game. He expressed, "I have been very happy over the past 10 years. Especially in the last 5 years, I have felt a lot of remorse. I really wanted to return to Seoul and show a good performance, but I couldn’t fulfill my wish, so I have always felt sorry when coming to greet you."
He continued, "I am also really sorry to leave in such a situation in front of the fans. I believe that this situation is no one's fault," and added, "It is a fact that as I get older, my ability has diminished."
Ki Sung-yueng expressed, "I want to say that the separation that must one day happen has come a little faster. I hope that the team I love most, Seoul, doesn’t suffer anymore because of me. The remaining players will fight hard for the team. I believe that if you also cheer for the team and the players, I will be able to prepare for my end comfortably."
He also emphasized, "I am very sorry about this situation. I have never thought of anything but the team of Seoul in my heart, but I tried to make the best decision in the face of the situation I encountered. The same goes for the coach and the players," and added, "I am grateful to have received such love until the end."
Finally, Ki Sung-yueng said, "I hope the fans will unite once again and help Seoul regain its former glory," and stated, "I will also work hard after going to Pohang. I wish you all good health and hope that until the day we meet again, you always live happily. Thank you."
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