'Never Lose to China': Hong Myung-bo's Team Aims to Rekindle 'Fear of China'

Introduction: The Return of the EAFF E-1 Football Championship to Korea

The 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship marks a significant return of the tournament to South Korea after six years, with the opening match set against China at the Yongin Mireu Stadium. This event is not just a football competition but a cultural celebration that reignites one of East Asia's fiercest football rivalries.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting this moment, especially after the last edition held in Busan in 2019. The anticipation is palpable, with both media and supporters highlighting the symbolic weight of hosting the opener on home soil. The tournament’s return is seen as a chance for South Korea to reclaim its footballing pride in the region.

Historical Rivalry: South Korea vs China in EAFF E-1

South Korea has dominated the EAFF E-1 Football Championship historically, holding the record for the most titles with five wins. The rivalry with China is intense, with South Korea aiming to reassert its dominance and dispel the psychological barrier known as 'Gonghanjeung' or 'Fear of China' that has occasionally affected Korean teams.
Historically, matches between these two teams have been more than just games—they are battles for regional supremacy. While Korea’s record is overwhelmingly positive, Chinese football has invested heavily in recent years, making every encounter unpredictable and fiercely contested.

Team Composition and Challenges for the 2025 Championship

Due to the tournament not falling within the FIFA international match calendar, South Korea's squad is primarily composed of K-League and J-League players, with European-based stars absent. This presents both challenges and opportunities for emerging talents to shine on the international stage.
Coach Hong Myung-bo has called up 23 players from the K-League and 3 from the J-League, focusing on domestic chemistry and tactical flexibility. The absence of European stars like Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae is a talking point, but it also allows younger players to step up and prove themselves under pressure.

Tactical Analysis: Hong Myung-bo's Strategy Against China

Coach Hong Myung-bo is expected to leverage a disciplined defensive structure combined with quick counter-attacks to exploit China's weaknesses. His experience and tactical acumen are crucial in navigating the team through this competitive fixture.
Observers note that Hong’s teams are known for their organization and adaptability. Against China, he is likely to focus on controlling the midfield and exploiting the flanks, areas where Korea traditionally excels. The tactical battle between Hong and China’s coach Dejan Djurdjevic is set to be a highlight of the tournament.

Fan Reactions and Community Buzz

The announcement of the squad and the upcoming match has stirred vibrant discussions across Korean football communities on platforms like Naver, Tistory, and popular forums. Fans express a mix of optimism and concern, reflecting on past performances and hopeful for a victorious return.
On Naver, positive comments highlight trust in Hong Myung-bo’s leadership and the depth of domestic talent, while some express worries about the lack of European-based players. Tistory bloggers analyze tactical matchups and recall memorable moments from previous Korea-China clashes. Community polls show a 70% optimism rate for a Korean victory, with the remaining 30% voicing caution about underestimating China.
Representative comments include: 'With Hong at the helm, we have nothing to fear!' and 'This is a chance for new heroes to emerge.' Negative voices focus on the unpredictability of a young squad, but the overall mood is confident and supportive.

Cultural Insights: Understanding the 'Gonghanjeung' (Fear of China) in Korean Football

The term 'Gonghanjeung' encapsulates a psychological hurdle that Korean teams have faced against China historically. This section explores the cultural and historical context behind this phenomenon and how the 2025 team aims to overcome it, symbolizing a new era of confidence and rivalry.
'Gonghanjeung' is rooted in both sports and broader cultural interactions between the two nations. For foreign fans, understanding this dynamic is key to appreciating the emotional stakes of the match. Korean fans see each victory over China as more than just a win—it’s a statement of national pride and resilience. The 2025 squad, under Hong’s leadership, is determined to rewrite the narrative and inspire a new generation of supporters.