2025 K League 1 Media Day Player Comments: Ulsan, Pohang, Gwangju, Jeonbuk | OneFootball

Everything that was said by Kim Young-gwon, Jeon Min-kwang, Lee Min-ki, and Park Jin-seop, the players chosen to represent Ulsan HD, Pohang Steelers, Gwangju FC, and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors respectively for the first of two 2025 K League 1 Media Days.

Opening Remarks

Kim Young-gwon, Ulsan HD

"As we prepare for the 2025 season, Ulsan HD will have to compete in four tournaments in total. How we prepare for these will greatly affect the content and outcomes of our matches. We've trained well during our preseason, and now it's just a matter of showing it on the field. We hope to achieve the best results possible starting with the next match."

Jeon Min-kwang, Pohang Steelers

"Ahead of the 2025 season, we've been preparing thoroughly alongside the coaching staff and players. We won the Korea Cup last year, which has given us a lot of confidence. We've trained with that confidence and prepared diligently during the preseason. We're sure we can show our fans a great performance this year."

Lee Min-ki, Gwangju FC

"This season, we plan to keep challenging ourselves and aiming higher. We've prepared well, and I hope fans will come to the stadium, cheer for us, and enjoy the games. Thank you."

Park Jin-seop, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

"With our new head coach and some fresh players, this season is a challenge for us. We’ve trained thoroughly since the beginning of preseason, and we’re determined to meet the high expectations of our fans by delivering a successful season."

On what makes their teams strong

Park Jin-seop, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

"During preseason, our coach emphasized physical conditioning. Thanks to that training, I believe our physical strength will be a key advantage, allowing us to showcase more dynamic performances this year."

Lee Min-ki, Gwangju FC

"Our team never just chases immediate results but always strives to grow and improve. Rather than talking about it, we’ll show it on the field. Thank you."

Jeon Min-kwang, Pohang Steelers

"Many teams have made significant player acquisitions ahead of the season. One of our strengths is that most of our players, including those from last year, are still with us. That stability has allowed us to prepare better, and I think it’s a major advantage."

Kim Young-gwon, Ulsan HD

"Our strength lies in the experience and ability of our players, who have secured three consecutive championships. That experience is definitely a strong point for us."

On shorter preparation time

Kim Young-gwon, Ulsan HD

"Personally, I don't believe that a long preseason necessarily means better preparation. A shorter but focused training period can also be a good approach. Even though the opening match is coming up sooner, I think it's something we should enjoy."

Jeon Min-kwang, Pohang Steelers

"I agree. After a short break following last season, we started our training camp and now face an early season start. I don't think the preparation length matters as much as how we utilised that time. I'm not worried about it."

Lee Min-ki, Gwangju FC

"For Gwangju FC, we lost several key players last year, and there are concerns about that. However, despite the short preparation time, we've integrated new players well within the system built by our coach. If we finish strong, we believe we can deliver great performances."

Park Jin-seop, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

"With our new coach, there wasn't much time to fully implement his system. However, he has been clear about his expectations, and we've focused on tactical aspects during preseason. Although it may not be perfect at the start, I believe we'll improve as the season progresses."Park Jin-seop on Poyet's motivational messages and notable changes

"Starting from a zero base, the coach emphasized that there are no guaranteed starting players. Everything is determined through competition during training. He has stressed a strong mentality, which I believe has significantly reshaped the team’s mindset."

Park Jin-seop on Jeonbuk's defence being a key position

"The coach clearly defines the roles for each position. For the defense, he emphasised specific "golden rules" that must be strictly followed. If these are not adhered to, players won’t be allowed on the field. This has made us more conscious of maintaining discipline during games."

Kim Young-gwon on the importance of the Club World Cup

"The format of the Club World Cup has changed, and now 32 of the best clubs will compete. Our players are both excited and nervous. Representing the K League is a great honour, and it's a chance to promote Korean football on a global stage. We're confident and will prepare thoroughly for the challenges ahead."

Kim Young-gwon, Ulsan HD (vs. FC Anyang)

"They're a good team and proved their potential by winning the K K League 2 championship. But since they'll be facing Ulsan HD in the opening match, I think it might be disappointing for them. We intend to show them what it means to be the champions of K League 1."

Jeon Min-kwang, Pohang Steelers (vs. Daejeon Hana Citizen)

"We've prepared well for the opening match. We have never lost to Daejeon Hana in league matches, and we're confident we will maintain that record."

Lee Min-ki, Gwangju FC (vs. Suwon FC)

"Since 2023, Suwon FC has often given us crucial points when we needed to turn things around. I believe we can start this season positively by taking three points."

Park Jin-seob, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (vs. Gimcheon Sangmu)

"Since it's our home opener, we aim to show that we're a different team from last year. We’re determined to start the season with a victory."

Lee Min-ki on Gwangju losing some key players

"Our team never relies on just one player, so I’m not worried. We always fight as a team. The new players have shown great potential during preseason, and I have high expectations for them."

On players who will make significant contributions this season

Kim Young-gwon, Ulsan HD

"To be honest, compared to last year, we've changed about half the squad, so there are plenty of players to look forward to. Among them, (Lee) Hui-kyun from Gwangju and (Seo) Myung-gwan from Bucheon have been showing great performances during pre-season. We also have high expectations for Kang Min-woo, who was our youngest player last year. Additionally, I think my fellow defenders (Kang) Min-woo and Seo Myung-hwan, though young, are impressive players, so I'm anticipating great things from them."

Jeon Min-kwang, Pohang Steelers

"As we've been preparing through pre-season training, I don't want this to sound like a cliché, but honestly, I have the most expectations for myself. I’ve been preparing well and feel confident about showing those efforts on the pitch. Additionally, Jorge (Texeira) seems very promising. He has shown impressive performances during training, and many of our players are looking forward to seeing how he'll perform this season, so I choose him."

Lee Min-ki, Gwangju FC

"Our team has a lot of new players with great potential, so I’m excited about all of them. In particular, Park Jeong-in seems likely to show the type of aggressive play that we haven’t seen much from Gwangju FC before. I'm looking forward to that, as well as to seeing how our manager performs this year."

Park Jin-seop, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

"If I had to choose players I’m excited about, it would be (Lee) Seung-woo and (Song) Bum-keun. Bum-keun has returned to K League with renewed determination, while Seung-woo has been talking about getting more goals and assists than last year. His confidence has been evident during pre-season training, so I'm really looking forward to seeing him play."

On the AFC Champions League

Kim Young-gwon, Ulsan HD

"It's true that we've had poor results in the ACL. However, we still have two matches left, and there's still a chance for us to advance. We'll do our best. This year, while focusing on the current ACL, we're also very eager about the upcoming competitions. We'll prepare well to deliver great performances and repay the fans for their support."

Jeon Min-kwang, Pohang Steelers

"The K League matches are important, but the ACL matches are just as crucial. We have two group stage matches remaining, and we're preparing to win both. We'll work hard to show results rather than just talking about it."

Lee Min-ki, Gwangju FC

"Gwangju FC have been performing well recently, and we have a high chance of advancing. However, our goal isn’t simply to reach the knockouts—we aim even higher. We're not settling here but pushing to climb higher. We also aim to secure more prize money for Gwangju FC."

Park Jin-seop, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

"Now that the group stage has ended, we’re moving into the main knockout rounds, starting with the round of 16. The players are all eager to win the tournament. If we can start well with our first away match, I believe we can make a push toward winning the title. We’ll give it our all."

On goals for their teams and as individuals

Kim Young-gwon, Ulsan HD

"Our team's goal is, of course, to win the K League championship. We also aim to win the Korea Cup, which we narrowly missed out on last year. Additionally, we're preparing to reach the round of 16 in the Club World Cup and focusing on the ACL as well. The players consider these four competitions particularly important this year, and I personally look forward to seeing how the players perform.

"On a personal note, when I first joined the K League in 2022, I made it into the Best Eleven and won the MVP award the following year. Although I didn't win any awards last year, my goal isn’t simply to win awards but to gain recognition from others by showing great performances."

Jeon Min-kwang, Pohang Steelers

"Our team's goal is to reach the top of the league. It's been 12 years since Pohang Steelers last claimed the title, and our fans have been waiting patiently. We are determined to make this the season we achieve it.

"On a personal note, I was nominated for the K League awards for the first time last year. Just being nominated was an honour, but as a human being, I did prepare a speech just in case. This year, I want to win the award and deliver that speech."

Lee Min-ki, Gwangju FC

"Our team's goal is, of course, to win the league. Honestly, I never imagined I’d get this far while being with Gwangju. I only dreamed of it. However, I want to turn those dreams into reality now.

"On a personal level, I attended the awards ceremony for the first time in 2023. The atmosphere was fantastic, and like Min-kwang said, I also prepared a speech just in case. This year, I’m determined to actually give that speech."

Park Jin-seop, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

"Our team goals are to win both the league and the ACL. As for my personal goals, like the others, I also won a Best Eleven award in 2022 for the defensive position. This year, I want to win it again and relive that honour by delivering my best performances."