Area Sports Roundup – September 2026

By Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius) ||

Kim Do-yeong Eyes History Despite Asian Games Challenge

Kia Tigers superstar Kim Do-yeong is enjoying another remarkable season, putting himself in position to chase both personal milestones and a piece of franchise history. As of August 6, Kim leads the KBO League with 33 home runs, ahead of LG Twins slugger Austin with 31 and KT Wiz’s Hilliard with 29. The three have traded spots throughout the season, but Kim gained an important edge by becoming the first to reach 30 home runs.

History is on his side. In 28 of the 32 KBO seasons, the player who was first to hit 30 homers, went on to claim the home run title. If Kim finishes on top, he would become the first Tigers player to lead the league in home runs since 2009.

Kim, however, is reluctant to focus on the race. “I don’t even check anymore to see whether the other guys have homered,” he said. “With the Asian Games coming up, I’ve put aside thoughts about winning the home run title.”

Kim is expected to miss regular-season games while representing Korea at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September. With national-team preparations and travel potentially extending his absence, Austin and Hilliard would have an opportunity to close the gap.

Instead, Kim has set his sights on another benchmark. After hitting 38 home runs during his MVP-winning 2024 season, when he batted .347 with 109 RBIs, 40 stolen bases, and a 1.067 OPS, he hopes to reach 40 for the first time while also finishing above .300.

His recent form suggests both goals remain within reach. More important is keeping his legs healthy after previous injury problems. Kim has been far more conservative on the bases this season, recording only six steals while placing greater emphasis on physical management.

Even Korea’s extreme summer heat has done little to dampen his enthusiasm. With several KBO games postponed because of dangerous temperatures, Kim joked that the unexpected break was “a sign from above” telling players to rest. Still, he has continued outdoor batting and fielding practice in temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius.

For Kim, the final months of the season will be about balancing ambition with durability. The home run crown may no longer be his stated priority, but with 33 already on the board, a 40-homer season – and the Tigers’ first home run champion in 17 years – remain firmly within reach.

Gwangju FC Builds Its Legacy Amid Financial Strain

Gwangju FC is taking steps to preserve its history while confronting serious financial and organizational challenges that could shape the club’s future.

The citizen-owned club recently announced a long-term “Legend Recognition and Trust-Building Project,” designed to formally honor players who have made lasting contributions since its foundation. Rather than treating the initiative as a one-off ceremony, Gwangju plans to establish a selection committee and evaluate candidates based on appearances, years of service, historical significance, contribution to the club, and symbolic importance to supporters.

Selected players will be recognized through official retirement ceremonies, “Legend Day” events, and commemorative awards. The club also plans to create a hall of fame and digital archive, while expanding community programs, youth football activities, and fan-oriented content. Gwangju expects to select its first official club legend and hold a retirement ceremony before the end of the year.

The effort to strengthen tradition and supporter trust comes at a difficult time financially. Despite receiving 10 billion won annually from the Gwangju city government, the club recorded a combined 35.1 billion won in operating losses between 2023 and 2025. Its total equity stood at negative 2.63 billion won at the end of 2025, meaning liabilities continued to exceed assets.

Commercial revenue remains a particular weakness. Gwangju generated 1.68 billion won in advertising income in 2025, while merchandise sales amounted to just 133 million won. Both figures were well below those of Incheon United, despite Incheon spending the season in K League 2 and receiving a comparable level of municipal support.

Gwangju nevertheless reported a 1.5 billion won net profit for 2025, helped largely by player sales and cost reductions. Transfer income more than doubled to 4.22 billion won, while squad operating expenses fell by more than 3.4 billion won.

That strategy, however, has carried consequences on the pitch. The departure of several established players weakened squad depth and contributed to a difficult start to the season, at times forcing Gwangju to rely heavily on academy graduates and other young players.

For Gwangju FC, the two issues ultimately point toward the same challenge: building a sustainable institution. Honoring former players can strengthen identity and deepen the bond with supporters, but lasting tradition also requires financial stability, transparent management, and competitive credibility.

As Gwangju begins defining who represents its past, the club must also determine how to build a more sustainable future.

Soop Supers Strengthen Roster

The newly established Soop Supers have continued to reshape their roster ahead of their V-League debut, adding outside hitters Ko Ui-jeong and Seo Ji-hye through separate trades.

Soop acquired Ko from the IBK Altos in a deal that sent Jeong Sol-min in the opposite direction. The club also received a second-round pick in the 2026–27 rookie draft. In a separate move with Hyundai Hillstate, Soop brought in Seo while giving up its second-round selection in the 2027–28 rookie draft.

Ko entered the V-League as the fifth pick of the second round in the 2018–19 rookie draft and has since accumulated considerable league experience. Beginning with the 2020–21 campaign, she appeared in at least 30 matches for three consecutive seasons, scoring 170 points in the first of those campaigns.

Known for her aggressive serving and ability to attack from the wings, Ko is expected to provide an immediate option for head coach Kim Se-jin. Her serve can put opposing receivers under pressure, while her experience should add stability to a squad still taking shape.

Seo, born in 2005, represents a longer-term investment. The young outside hitter developed with Hyundai Hillstate and offers potential in both attacking and blocking at the net. Her arrival gives Soop another developing option while increasing competition for places.

With experienced players, younger prospects and overseas reinforcements now coming together, the Soop Supers are gradually putting the pieces in place for their first V-League campaign.

Cover Photo: Lee Min-ki, a one-club man, celebrates his 200th K League appearance for Gwangju FC. (Gwangju FC)