Area Sports Round-Up – February 2025
By Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius)
Kia Tigers Mourn Tragic Loss in Muan Airport Crash
On December 29, a tragic accident occurred at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do, claiming the lives of 179 people, including an employee of the Kia Tigers and their two family members. On December 30, the Kia Tigers expressed their condolences on their official Instagram account, posting: “We mourn the victims of the accident and extend our deepest condolences to their families. May the deceased rest in peace.”
Players Kim Do-young, Park Chan-ho, and Lee Eui-lee also paid tribute through their personal social media accounts.
Yang Hyeon-jong Eyes Record- Breaking Milestone in KBO History
Yang Hyeon-jong, a key contributor alongside ace James Naile to the Kia Tigers’ championship- winning season, delivered an impressive performance last year with 171.1 innings pitched, 11 wins, 5 losses, and a 4.10 ERA in 29 games. This achievement helped the Tigers clinch their 12th championship after a seven-year hiatus.
Looking ahead, Yang is set to chase a historic milestone: becoming the first KBO pitcher to record 100 strikeouts in 11 consecutive seasons. With 129 strikeouts last year, Yang became the third player in KBO history to achieve 10 straight seasons with 100 strikeouts. If he achieves this feat again, he will cement his legacy as one of the league’s most consistent and reliable pitchers.
Tigers Bolster Roster with Adam Oller Signing
The Kia Tigers announced on January 16 the signing of American pitcher Adam Oller with a contract worth $1 million, including a $200,000 signing bonus, a $600,000 annual salary, and $200,000 in incentives. Standing 193 cm tall and weighing 102 kg, Oller brings MLB experience with 36 appearances (23 starts), a 5–13 record, and a 6.54 ERA, along with four seasons in Triple-A. Known for his 150 km/h fastball and sharp breaking pitches, Oller is expected to form a formidable one-two punch with James Naile in the Tigers’ starting rotation.
Lee Jung-hyo Stays with Gwangju FC Amidst Transfer Speculations
Dubbed the “Korean Mourinho” for his witty demeanor and passionate coaching style, Lee Jung-hyo has been instrumental in Gwangju FC’s success. Since taking the helm in 2022, he has led the team to the K-League 2 championship and promotion to K-League 1. Despite financial constraints, Lee guided Gwangju FC to a ninth-place finish in the 2024 season and to an impressive performance in the AFC Champions League Elite League (ACLE).
Although heavily linked with Incheon United and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Lee has decided to stay with Gwangju for the 2025 season. The club recently unveiled its new jerseys, the “Shine Gwangju,” created in partnership with Goal Studio. The home kit features the club’s signature yellow with maroon accents, while the away kit offers a clean white design.
Gwangju has also bolstered its squad with signings, including Park Jeung-in, versatile player Kwon Sung-yun, and forward Park In-hyeok. The team has begun pre-season training in Koh Samui, Thailand, focusing on physical fitness and tactical drills before moving to Osaka, Japan, for the second phase of training.
Notably, Gwangju FC faces a critical match on February 11 against Shandong Taishan in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) East Asia Zone’s seventh group stage match at Jinan
Olympic Sports Center, China. To prepare, the team is undergoing intensive training within a limited time frame.
AI Peppers Show Remarkable Progress in V-League
The AI Peppers, previously dubbed the “easy win machine,” have significantly improved in their fourth season. By January, they had already secured seven wins, surpassing their total victories from any previous season.
Key changes include the appointment of coach Chang So-yun, the addition of setter Lee Won- jeong from Heungkuk Life, and veteran libero Han Da-hye. The team also boasts standout middle blocker Zhang Yu from China and stabilized their roster with opposite spiker Taylor Fricano mid-season.
With these enhancements, the AI Peppers are poised to rewrite their history, with their first playoff appearance now a tangible possibility.
The Author
Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius) is from Harbin, China. He began writing in 2022 and has contributed to the Chinese media in Gwangju. He concurrently serves at a sports data company. He is pursuing a master’s degree in media and communications and is responsible for the Chinese Students Association at Chonnam National University.