Area Sports in Review

A monthly overview of local sports teams, featuring area teams each month and brought to you…

By Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius)

Despite Strong Start, Tigers Face Mid-Season Challenges

The Kia Tigers had a remarkable start to the season, maintaining the top spot in the league for a considerable time. The players hunger for victory reached its limit, and the team’s overall win rate has been declining recently, leading them to a period of crisis and instability. Since late April, the team has suffered defeats every Friday, falling victim to the “Friday curse,” which has slowed their momentum. The most critical blow was a five-game losing streak against the Lotte Giants.

Wil Crowe, who held a 5–1 record and a 3.57 ERA after eight games, experienced a sore elbow last month and examination confirmed damage to the medial collateral ligament of his right elbow. He is now listed as a player undergoing rehabilitation. Cam Alldred was then signed as a replacement player, with the Tigers investing a significant amount to secure him. The unexpected contract scale has sparked some controversy, highlighting the team’s high expectations of Alldred and their strong desire to maintain their leading position.

James Naile and Yang Hyeon-jong play pivotal roles as the Tigers’ ace pitchers this season. Naile currently holds a 7–1 record with a 1.82 ERA in 13 games, leading the league in both wins and ERA. On June 6, Yang Hyeon-jong threw his 2,003rd career strikeout in a home game against the Lotte Giants, becoming the second pitcher in KBO history to surpass 2,000 strikeouts.

The Kia Tigers’ home games continue to enjoy high attendance despite their recent struggles, with six consecutive sellouts from May 24 to June 2, tying the club’s record for consecutive sellouts. The remainder of the Tigers’ season is expected to be significantly influenced by how they overcome this crisis, with the team’s future trajectory likely dependent on head coach Lee Bum-ho’s leadership and the players’ focus.

Kia Tigers’ July Schedule

July Dates	Opponent	Location
2-4	Samsung	Daegu
9-11	LG	Jamsil
12-14	SSG	Gwangju
16-18	Samsung	Gwangju
19-21	Hanhwa	Daejeon
23-25	NC	Gwangju
26-28	Kiwoom	Gocheok
30-31	Doosan	Gwangju

Bold Leadership Transforming Gwangju FC

The K-League announced that it will not impose any league-level disciplinary actions on Gwangju FC head coach Lee Jung-hyo for his attitude during an official post-match press conference. On May 25, after an away game against Incheon United, Lee was involved in a heated exchange during the press conference, which sparked controversy. Gwangju FC was then penalized with a VAR-awarded penalty kick, costing them the victory.

Known as the “Jose Mourinho of the K-League,” Lee Jung-hyo has made bold statements regarding his coaching philosophy. One of the most striking examples of Lee’s daring strategies this season is the remarkable transformation of Heo Yool. Initially a highly regarded “powerful forward” with experience on the U23 national team and boasting a height of 192 cm, Heo has been playing as a center-back this season instead of his usual forward position. Coach Lee believes that Heo Yool has completed the transition in positions well due to his composure in defense, making him a more advantageous defender than an attacker. As Gwangju FC is preparing to participate in the 2024–25 AFC Champions League Elite, Lee plans to focus on quality over quantity in player recruitment, intending to develop and utilize the existing squad effectively.

Gwangju FC July Schedule

July Date	Opponent	Location
7	Gangwon	Gangneung
10	Ulsan	Ulsan
14	Incheon	Gwangju
21	Daegu	Daegu
27	Suwon	Gwangju

AI Peppers Strengthen Roster with Key Signings

The AI Peppers, the women’s professional volleyball team is making significant strides by completing four major signings, aiming for a transformative season. In April, the Peppers recruited libero Han Da-hye from GS Caltex as a free agent, and they announced the addition of middle blocker Lim Ju-eun from Korea Expressway Hi-Pass the following month.

On June 4, the Peppers traded for setter Lee Won-jeong from Heungkuk Life Pink Spiders. Lee, who started her professional career with Korea Expressway Hi-Pass in the 2017–18 season, expressed her commitment to contributing to the team’s victories with a fresh mindset. Three days later, the team signed free agent Lee Ye-rim, who was selected as the third pick in the second round of the 2015–16 V-league by Hyundai E&C Hillstate and scored 103 points in 31 matches last season, significantly contributing to Korea Expressway Hi-Pass’s offense.

Head coach Chang So-yun commented, “The team’s height has improved this season, and I expect Lee Won-jeong’s height to bring new dynamics. Lee Ye-rim’s addition strengthens our defensive depth, and I hope she can replicate last season’s performance with us.”