The Mastermind Behind Gwangju FC’s Rise: Lee Jung-Hyo – May 2025

By Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius)

In various locations across Gwangju, billboards featuring photos of former President Kim Dae-jung, author Han Kang, star baseball player Kim Do-yeong, and Gwangju FC head coach Lee Jung-hyo hang side by side. When asked about his inclusion among such distinguished figures, Lee humbly responded, “I don’t think I’m at their level yet.”

Yet, for many, Lee Jung-hyo is the most compelling figure in Korean football today. Under his leadership, Gwangju FC reached the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) quarterfinals, becoming the only Korean club to advance that far after defending champions Ulsan Hyundai and traditional powerhouse Pohang Steelers were eliminated.

Appointed in the 2022 season, Lee quickly implemented an aggressive high-pressing, fluid attacking style that brought immediate success. Gwangju FC won the K League 2 title in 2022, earned promotion to K League 1, and finished third in 2023, securing an ACLE berth. In 2024, the club has not only stayed competitive in K League 1 but also advanced to the final eight in Asia’s premier club competition.

Unlike many top-tier coaches, Lee did not have a decorated playing career. He was not part of Korea’s historic 2002 World Cup squad and has never played for the national team. Starting from the bottom as a coach, he has carved out a name for himself purely through coaching merit. Internet forums are filled with anecdotes of Lee analyzing tactics in coffee shops with his laptop – an image that has become symbolic of his relentless drive.

His laptop, as staff say, takes time to boot due to the sheer volume of data it contains: hundreds of training sessions, files on domestic teams, and detailed tactical breakdowns of European giants like Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Ajax, and lately, Arsenal.

Despite a packed fixture schedule, Gwangju has remained consistent. However, Lee never allows complacency to creep in. He demands discipline and unbroken focus from his players. A recent incident during Gwangju’s 1–0 home win over Jeju SK on April 6 demonstrated this. Lee, serving a suspension, was in the stands when winger Oh Hu-seong was substituted and showed visible frustration. After the match, Lee addressed the situation in the locker room, emphasizing attitude over results. “Individual behavior affects the team’s spirit,” he reportedly said. “I don’t care about the scoreline – I just want every player to give their all, every minute on the pitch.”

Oh Hu-seong later acknowledged his mistake: “I completely understand why coach Lee said that. I was just trying to stay on because I felt good today, but I’ll reflect on it and be ready for the next match.” Lee himself softened afterward: “Oh is passionate and works hard. I just want him to take a broader view.”

Midfield general Choe Kyoung-rok, who returned from a decade in Germany to reunite with Lee, explained, “Even in structured German football, I never saw tactics this detailed. Coach Lee’s passion and preparation are on another level.” Brazilian attacker Reis, who rejoined Gwangju this year, was equally complimentary: “Coach Lee is the best in K League. His strong personality and direct communication are refreshing. I’ve never met anyone like him in Brazil or Korea.” Center- back Bruno added with a laugh, “I’ve never met a coach like him in my entire career. He’s intense, emotional, and always pushing us to improve. As he grows, we grow too.”

Under Lee Jung-hyo’s supervision, Gwangju FC continues to punch above its weight. Despite lacking a single national team player, the team consistently produces results that rival Korea’s best. Lee’s impact is undeniable – and the story of Gwangju FC’s meteoric rise is, in large part, his own.