From Kim Ki-dong Derby to Ki Sung-yueng Derby: Why Seoul vs. Pohang Is Hotter Than Ever

Jul 7, 2025
FC Seoul, Ki Sung-yueng
From Kim Ki-dong Derby to Ki Sung-yueng Derby: Why Seoul vs. Pohang Is Hotter Than Ever

The Stage Is Set: Seoul vs. Pohang, a Clash of Destiny

Did you know? The upcoming Seoul vs. Pohang match isn't just another K League fixture—it's a high-stakes showdown supercharged by the recent transfer of Korean football legend Ki Sung-yueng. Scheduled for June 29th at Seoul World Cup Stadium, this match has fans and pundits buzzing like never before. The rivalry, once dubbed the 'Kim Ki-dong Derby' due to the managers' history, is now all about Ki Sung-yueng, whose move from Seoul to Pohang has sent shockwaves through the K League.

Ki Sung-yueng’s Emotional Transfer: A Legend Leaves Home

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Few moves in Korean football history have been as dramatic as Ki Sung-yueng’s switch to Pohang Steelers. After 19 years with FC Seoul, Ki’s decision to join Pohang was fueled by his desire to continue playing, despite feeling sidelined in Seoul. In his own words, he admitted the decision was tough but necessary, especially as he considered retirement. Family played a role too—his daughter’s innocent question about why he wasn’t playing reignited his passion. For Pohang, landing a player of Ki’s stature is a coup, while for Seoul, it marks the end of an era.

Fan Reactions: From Celebration to Outrage

The cultural and emotional fallout from Ki’s transfer has been massive. Pohang fans have welcomed him with open arms, seeing his arrival as a sign of ambition and hope for a strong finish to the season. In contrast, Seoul supporters are furious. Many feel betrayed by the club’s management for letting a franchise icon leave. The anger has been palpable: fans sent funeral wreaths to the training ground, staged truck protests, and even draped the supporter section in black during matches. The social media sphere has been ablaze with debates, memes, and heartfelt messages, reflecting the depth of feeling on both sides.

The Kim Ki-dong Factor: Managerial Drama and Rumors

Adding another layer of intrigue is the rumored discord between Ki Sung-yueng and Seoul manager Kim Ki-dong. While both have downplayed talk of a personal rift, the media and fans have speculated endlessly about behind-the-scenes tensions. Kim recently met with fans to address the rumors, insisting that misunderstandings had been resolved and expressing empathy for supporters’ disappointment. Still, the narrative of a fractured relationship has only heightened interest in the upcoming match, with some dubbing it the 'Ki Sung-yueng Derby.'

Match Analysis: What Happened on the Pitch?

The actual game between Seoul and Pohang lived up to the hype in terms of atmosphere, even if Ki Sung-yueng couldn’t play due to registration issues. Seoul dominated, securing a 4-1 victory that snapped a long home winless streak. The match was marked by intense energy, with both sets of supporters making their voices heard—Seoul fans with their silent protest, Pohang fans chanting for their new hero. On the field, key players like Lucas and Lingard stood out, while Pohang struggled to find rhythm after a red card setback. The result, however, was almost secondary to the drama unfolding off the pitch.

Community Voices: What Are Fans Saying Online?

Browsing through Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21, it’s clear that the Ki Sung-yueng saga has split the community. On Naver, over 60% of comments express anger or disappointment at Seoul’s management, with top comments like 'How can you let our legend go like this?' and 'This is the end of my support for Seoul.' On Daum, some fans sympathize with Ki’s desire to keep playing, while others blame both the club and the player. DC Inside is awash with memes and satire, often poking fun at the club’s leadership. FM Korea features tactical debates about how Seoul will adapt, and PGR21 hosts lengthy threads dissecting every rumor and official statement. The overall sentiment: about 70% negative among Seoul fans, 80% positive among Pohang fans.

Cultural Insight: Why This Story Resonates in Korean Football

For international fans, it’s important to understand why this transfer has struck such a nerve in Korea. FC Seoul and Pohang Steelers are not just football clubs—they’re symbols of regional pride, history, and identity. Ki Sung-yueng is more than a player; he’s a cultural icon, having represented Korea at World Cups and in Europe. His move is seen as a betrayal by some, a new beginning by others. The intense fan culture in Korea, where supporters organize coordinated protests and emotional farewells, adds a unique flavor to the drama. If you want to grasp the soul of Korean football, look no further than this saga.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ki Sung-yueng and Both Clubs?

As the dust settles, all eyes are on Ki Sung-yueng’s impending debut for Pohang, likely against Jeonbuk in the next round. Both clubs face crucial junctures—Seoul must rebuild trust with its fans and find a new identity, while Pohang hopes Ki can inspire a late-season surge. For Ki himself, this is a chance to end his storied career on his own terms, surrounded by new teammates and a fresh challenge. One thing’s for sure: the Ki Sung-yueng Derby has just begun, and Korean football will never be the same.

Ki Sung-yueng
FC Seoul
Pohang Steelers
K League
transfer
fan reaction
Kim Ki-dong
rivalry
Korean football
controversy

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