Seok Hyun-jun has come alive; now it is the teammates' turn to respond... Coach Choi Yoon-kyeong on the attacking unit's challenges

*This content was translated by AI.

"If we can deliver more quality passes into the penalty area…."

Choi Yoon-kyeong (64), who leads K League 2 side Yongin FC, has one major concern: the attacking unit's destructive power. While veteran striker Seok Hyun-jun (35) anchors the front line, Coach Choi's focus extends beyond him. He believes that if Seok receives more opportunities in the penalty area, the team's overall attacking strength will significantly improve.

Seok Hyun-jun is a striker whom the newly formed team, Yongin, ambitiously signed this season. A former member of the South Korean national team, Seok built his career over many years in Europe before making his first K League challenge this year. He began his professional career at the Dutch powerhouse Ajax and also played for major Portuguese clubs including FC Porto, accumulating extensive experience.

However, early in his K League tenure, his goal-scoring output remained elusive, causing difficulties. On the 24th, Coach Choi explained Seok's early struggles in the match against Chungnam Asan as a result of adapting to the K League. "He reported difficulties during the early part of the season," Choi said. He added, "As I have mentioned several times before, in Europe, strikers receive high-quality technical passes and crosses tailored to their preferences. However, we still lack in that regard."

Opponents' intense pressure and physical challenges were also formidable. Coach Choi stated, "Perhaps because of Seok Hyun-jun's reputation, opponents pressed him more aggressively and applied concentrated pressure. Seok found it difficult to adapt to that aspect."

Nevertheless, Yongin is gradually finding attacking solutions that leverage Seok Hyun-jun. After a long goalless slump, Seok has recently begun scoring again. On the 26th of last month, he scored a brace in a home match against Gimhae FC, leading the team to a 4-1 victory. On the 16th, he also found the net in stoppage time during an away match against Seoul E-Land. At that time, Yongin drew 2-2 with Seoul E-Land.

With Seok Hyun-jun's goals, Yongin's results have improved. As of the 13th round of the 2026 season, Yongin sits 13th in the league with 2 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses (11 points). Although the ranking remains low, recent form has shown positive change. In their last five matches, the team recorded 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, demonstrating potential for a turnaround. Seok Hyun-jun played a significant role.

Regarding Seok Hyun-jun's resurgence, Coach Choi praised him: "He is undoubtedly a player with clear strengths. He demonstrates abilities that tall players often lack, such as timing his runs to meet crosses, his ability to surge into the penalty area, his skill in finding space in tight areas, and his momentary cleverness."

The issue is consistency. For Seok Hyun-jun's goal-scoring form to continue, he needs support from his teammates. Coach Choi noted, "Even when Seok scores, he receives high-quality crosses and passes. However, our team has more midfielders suited for defensive roles or controlling the ball from deeper positions than those capable of delivering such passes from attacking midfield or shadow striker positions. Only Gabriel possesses that ability," he expressed regret.

Nevertheless, this is a problem that must be resolved despite the difficulties. It has already been confirmed that Yongin's attacking destructive power depends on Seok Hyun-jun's goal-scoring. The better opportunities Seok secures in the penalty area, the sharper Yongin's attack can become.

Of course, as a newly formed team, it is not easy to resolve all issues in a short period. Organizational cohesion, chemistry with teammates, and the attacking build-up process all require more time. Coach Choi Choi Yoon-kyeong remarked, "In a way, the entire team has yet to fully adapt to the team's identity." With a proven card in the front line who possesses solid experience and finishing ability, it has now become crucial for the entire team to determine how best to leverage Seok Hyun-jun's strengths.

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*This content was translated by AI.