Ki Sung-yueng's Shocking Transfer: From FC Seoul Legend to Pohang Steelers - A New Chapter Begins

The Shocking Transfer That Rocked Korean Football

In a move that sent shockwaves through the Korean football community, Ki Sung-yueng (36), the eternal captain and franchise star of FC Seoul, officially transferred to Pohang Steelers on June 25, 2025. This transfer marked the end of an era for both the player and the club, as Ki had never played for any other K League team besides Seoul throughout his domestic career.

The transfer became official when FC Seoul announced their decision to "temporarily pause their relationship with their franchise star and eternal captain." The club explained that Ki Sung-yueng had confirmed he was excluded from this season's team operations and requested to move to a team where he could play more to complete a meaningful player career. The announcement came as a devastating blow to Seoul fans who had watched Ki grow from a 17-year-old prospect to a world-class midfielder.

Ki's journey with Seoul began in 2006 when he joined the club's youth system. After making his professional debut in 2007, he quickly established himself as a key player with his exceptional vision, precise passing, and powerful long-range shots. His performances caught the attention of European scouts, leading to his transfer to Celtic in 2010, where he began an illustrious 11-year European career.

The Emotional Farewell and Fan Reactions

The announcement of Ki's departure triggered an unprecedented emotional response from FC Seoul supporters. Fans organized protests at the club's training facility, GS Champions Park, sending funeral wreaths with messages like "The day Ki Sung-yueng was abandoned" and "Ki Sung-yueng remains." The protests extended to the headquarters of the club's parent company, GS Retail, where fans organized truck demonstrations expressing their anger at the decision.

The fan group 'Guardian,' representing Seoul supporters, issued a statement demanding transparency about the circumstances surrounding Ki's transfer and threatening a support boycott if satisfactory explanations were not provided. The intensity of the fan reaction highlighted Ki's significance to the club - he wasn't just a player but a symbol of FC Seoul's identity and values.

Ki himself addressed the fans through an emotional social media post, stating: "FC Seoul is my hometown and my pride. I have never imagined playing for any team other than Seoul when I returned to Korea. This situation still feels unfamiliar, and I have trouble sleeping when I think of the fans." His words reflected the deep emotional connection he maintained with the club and its supporters throughout his career.

The Background Behind the Transfer Decision

The transfer saga began with a conversation between Ki and FC Seoul manager Kim Gi-dong, where the coach informed the veteran midfielder that he was not part of the team's future plans. Initially, Ki considered retirement, telling the manager of his intention to hang up his boots. However, encouragement from family members and trusted football colleagues convinced him that he still had more to offer.

Ki revealed his thought process in his farewell message: "I realized that I can still play enough and, above all, that my desire to play is strong. It was agonizing to suppress the desire to play even for just a few minutes." This internal struggle between accepting the end of his career and his burning desire to continue playing ultimately led to his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.

The situation was complicated by Ki's reduced role under Kim Gi-dong's tactical system. After playing 35 league matches for three consecutive seasons from 2021-2023, Ki's appearances dropped to 20 games last season and only 8 this year. His last appearance came on April 12 against Daejeon Hana Citizen, after which he was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Despite returning to training and showcasing his skills in practice matches, he remained excluded from match squads.

Pohang Steelers' Welcoming Embrace

While Ki was contemplating his future, Pohang Steelers manager Park Tae-ha emerged as the first coach to express genuine interest in acquiring the veteran midfielder's services. Ki gratefully acknowledged this gesture: "Coach Park Tae-ha was the first to readily contact me saying he needed me, and I decided on the transfer. It must have been a difficult decision, but I'm truly grateful to Coach Park for embracing me."

The transfer to Pohang represents a significant shift for Ki, who had never played for another K League club during his domestic career. His statistics with Seoul are remarkable: 198 league appearances, 14 goals, and 19 assists - all accumulated while wearing the Seoul jersey. The move to Pohang offers him the opportunity to add a new chapter to his illustrious career while potentially helping the Steelers achieve their ambitions.

Pohang completed the transfer procedures on June 26, with club officials confirming that the deal was finalized without a transfer fee. Ki is scheduled to undergo medical tests on July 3, after which his contract with Pohang will be officially completed. The transfer timeline means he will miss the immediate opportunity to face his former club when Seoul and Pohang meet on June 29 at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Cultural Impact and Korean Football Dynamics

Ki Sung-yueng's transfer represents more than just a player changing clubs - it reflects the complex dynamics of modern Korean football and the emotional connections between players, clubs, and fans. In Korean football culture, loyalty and long-term relationships are highly valued, making Ki's departure particularly significant for understanding the sport's cultural context.

The intensity of fan reactions demonstrates the unique relationship between supporters and their club legends in Korean football. Unlike European football where transfers are more commonplace, Korean fans often develop deeper emotional attachments to players who represent their clubs over extended periods. Ki's case is particularly poignant because he represented the ideal of a hometown hero - a player who started with the club, achieved international success, and returned to serve his boyhood team.

The transfer also highlights the generational changes occurring in Korean football, where veteran players must adapt to new tactical systems and coaching philosophies. Ki's situation under Kim Gi-dong's management reflects the broader challenge facing aging stars in modern football, where physical demands and tactical requirements continue to evolve.

Community Response and Social Media Reactions

The Korean football community's response to Ki's transfer has been overwhelmingly emotional, with discussions spanning various online platforms and social media channels. Seoul fans have expressed their disappointment not just with the transfer itself, but with how the situation was handled by the club management. Many supporters feel that Ki deserved better treatment given his contributions to the club over nearly two decades.

Pohang fans, meanwhile, have welcomed the acquisition with enthusiasm, recognizing the experience and quality that Ki brings to their squad. Comments on social media platforms show Pohang supporters expressing excitement about adding such a decorated player to their roster, with many believing his presence could significantly boost the team's performance in the second half of the season.

The broader Korean football community has engaged in extensive discussions about player loyalty, club management, and the treatment of veteran players. Many observers have praised Ki's professionalism in handling the situation, while also questioning FC Seoul's decision-making process. The transfer has sparked debates about how clubs should manage their relationships with legendary players as they approach the twilight of their careers.

Looking Forward: Ki's New Chapter at Pohang

As Ki Sung-yueng prepares to don the Pohang Steelers jersey, he faces the challenge of adapting to a new environment while maintaining the high standards that have defined his career. At 36, he brings invaluable experience and leadership qualities that could prove crucial for Pohang's ambitions in the K League 1 season.

Ki's message to fans reflected his determination to make the most of this opportunity: "I want to finish my career not powerlessly, but by giving my all on the field and retiring with a good image as repayment to the fans." This commitment suggests that despite the emotional difficulty of leaving Seoul, he remains motivated to contribute meaningfully to his new team.

The transfer also sets up an intriguing narrative for the remainder of the 2025 K League season, with Ki potentially facing his former club in future encounters. His first opportunity to play against Seoul could come later in the season, creating a subplot that will undoubtedly capture the attention of Korean football fans. For international observers, Ki's move represents a fascinating case study in player loyalty, career management, and the unique cultural dynamics that shape Korean football.