Area Sports Round-Up

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

By Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius)

Kia Tigers: A Legacy of Champions and the Rise of Superstar Kim Do-yeong

The Kia Tigers, 11-time Korea Series champions, boast a roster filled with star players. But who among them has made the most significant impact this season? In just his third professional year, Kim Do-yeong has stunned both Kia fans and the broader baseball community with his incredible performance in 2024. This is the story of “superstar” Kim Do-yeong.

Kim Do-yeong has emerged as the biggest star and record-breaker in the KBO this season. He became the first player to hit 10 home runs and steal 10 bases in a single month. Kim also made history as the first Korean player to achieve 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season. Thanks to these astounding stats, the Kia Tigers have remained comfortably at the top of the standings.

It’s no wonder he’s so beloved. His jersey is the overwhelming best-seller at the club, and on game day, Gwangju Kia Champions Field is filled with fans proudly wearing his name. “Donisal” (도니살), a nickname Kia fans have coined for Kim, has become a popular catchphrase. We eagerly look forward to his continued journey into superstardom.

Earlier this year, an unexpected incident led to the termination of the Kia coach’s contract just before the end of spring training. After considering several candidates, the Tigers ultimately appointed Lee Bum-ho, born in 1981, as the new head coach.

The Kia Tigers have passionate fans across the country, which means that there is always more discussion surrounding them compared to other teams. Despite being in first place, fans questioned Coach Lee’s game management after a “historic” 30-point loss to Doosan at home on the last day of July. Nonetheless, Coach Lee, like a big brother, quietly continues on his path. From his playing days to his role as coach, he has shown deep affection for the team and maintains a close relationship with his players, leading them as a unified team.

KBO has announced the 35-man roster for the South Korean national team ahead of the 2024 WBSC Premier 12 tournament. From the Kia Tigers, Jeon Sang-hyun, Jung Hai-young, Choi Ji-min, Kwak Do-gyu, Han Jun-su, Kim Do-yeong, and Choi Won-jun have all been called up. South Korea is placed in Group B alongside Japan, Taiwan, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Australia, with the first-round games scheduled to take place in Taipei, Taiwan, on November 13 to 18.

Gwangju FC’s Journey to the ACL: Anticipation Amid Challenges

Under the leadership of Head Coach Lee Jung-hyo, Gwangju FC is stepping onto the Asian stage for the first time since the club’s founding, competing in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE). In preparation, Gwangju FC unveiled their “Light of Glory” uniforms. The home kit features a yellow base with a white collar, symbolizing the city of Gwangju. The away kit is deep blue with yellow stripes, while the goalkeeper jerseys are mint green (home) and pink (away). Lee Hui-gyun, who took part in the uniform photoshoot, commented, “The details of the jersey are beautiful. I will give my all wearing it in the ACLE to achieve great results.”

During the ACLE group stage, each team will play eight home and away matches[DES1]  between September 16 and February 19 of next year. Gwangju FC fans are already excited about the possibility of facing off against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr or Neymar’s Al-Hilal in the quarterfinals.

However, while the leap to the Asian stage is thrilling, recent developments have poured cold water on the fanbase’s enthusiasm. The club’s decision to move their third-stage home matches away from the Gwangju World Cup Stadium to Yongin Mireu Stadium, located 280 kilometers away, has caused controversy. Although Gwangju FC issued a letter of apology, it failed to explain the reasons behind the move or take responsibility, leaving fans anxious and frustrated. Many are now questioning whether the club truly understands the impact of relocating home games, and if similar issues might arise again.

For some overseas fans, this may be their first and only trip to Gwangju to watch football. This alone is a significant achievement in elevating the city’s brand through sports. Many fans from across Asia are now familiar with Gwangju because of its football team.

Meanwhile, rumors that the Red Bull Group is looking to acquire a K-League club have created a buzz among supporters. While Gwangju FC struggles with financial and infrastructure challenges, it has been praised as one of the most exciting teams in the K-League. If a financially strong company were to take over, fans have high hopes that Gwangju could become a top-tier Asian club.

AI Peppers: Rebuilding for a Playoff Push Under Coach Chang So-Yun

With the slogan “One Team, One Spirit,” the AI Peppers have set their sights on reaching the playoffs this season. Following underwhelming performances, the team dismissed head coach Joe Trinsey during the 2023–2024 season. SBS sports commentator Chang So-yun was appointed as the team’s fourth head coach in April.

Under Coach Chang’s guidance, the AI Peppers have rebooted ahead of the 2024–2025 season. The team filled a key vacancy by signing national team libero Han Da-hye for a total of 870 million KRW over three years. Both foreign players were also replaced. The Peppers recruited outside hitter Barbara Dapic and middle blocker Zhang Yu, strengthening the team’s height, which had been a notable weakness. The team also bolstered their setter lineup by acquiring Lee Won-jeong from Heungkuk Life through a trade.

With a revamped starting lineup, the AI Peppers delivered a stronger performance in the recent cup competition. The team’s defense, which had been a weakness over the past three seasons, showed significant improvement. Park Jeong-ah, who struggled last season, also displayed positive signs, scoring 56 points with a 35.04% attack success rate during the group stage of the cup, showing signs of a rebound.

However, no player has yet emerged as a consistent game-changer in closely contested matches. It’s particularly disappointing that Barbara Dapic, expected to be the team’s ace, posted only 47 points with a 31.06% attack success rate during the cup’s group stage. If the Peppers are to perform well in the regular season, Dapic will need to deliver stronger, more reliable performances. Coach Chang stated, “Through these matches, we’ve learned how to best utilize our players. Each of them has unique strengths, and they’ve all shown their abilities.”

With a focus on strengthening the team, the AI Peppers are determined to make history this season. Under the leadership of fourth-generation head coach Chang So-yun, the team is undergoing a complete transformation, and fans are eagerly awaiting a strong appearance in the V League.