"A mature smile and terrifying talent: 2008-born Kim Ye-geon causes a major upset for Hyundai Guri... Jeonbuk secures a decisive 3-1 victory over Ulsan"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ye-geon, a top prospect born in 2008 (Jeonbuk Hyundai), caused a major incident at the "Hyundai Derby."

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors secured a decisive 3-1 away victory against Ulsan HD in the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 17 match held at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium on the 11th.

This victory secured a four-game winning streak for Jeonbuk in the Hyundai Derby. With eight wins, five draws, and four losses, accumulating 29 points, they have climbed to second place in the league. They are now set to chase FC Seoul again, which sits atop the table with 35 points after playing one fewer match.

Jeonbuk also shed the regret of its 1-2 loss to Gangwon FC on the 4th. At that time, Jeonbuk manager Jung Jeong-yong did not include Kim Jin-gyu, Kang Sang-yoon, Jo Wi-je, and Song Beom-geun, who had participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in North America, in the lineup for the first match after the World Cup break.

It was different in this match against Ulsan. Starting lineup included first-choice goalkeeper Song Beom-geun, along with Kim Jin-gyu and Kang Sang-yoon. Jo Wi-je made the substitute bench.

However, the player who left the strongest impression in the match against Ulsan was 18-year-old prospect Kim Ye-geon. He scored his debut goal in just his second professional game, firmly etching his name into memory.

Jeonbuk took the lead in the 30th minute of the first half with a goal by Kim Jin-gyu. In the fifth minute of the second half, Lee Dong-jun's shot hit the post, and they continued to maintain a strong momentum.

In the final 15 minutes, Lee Seung-woo added another goal. Lee Seung-woo shook the net with a spectacular right-footed curling shot from the left side of the penalty box. After scoring, he performed his signature dance celebration in front of Jeonbuk's traveling fans.

It was Kim Ye-geon's turn. Substituted in during the 20th minute of the second half, Kim created several threatening moments despite the short time on the field. Then, in the 34th minute of the second half, he sealed the match with a decisive goal. After winning the ball through intense pressure against the opposing defense, he launched an explosive dribble and followed up with a precise shot that found the back of the net.

Kim Ye-geon is a promising player who signed a semi-professional contract with Jeonbuk in March. This match against Ulsan was his second professional game. However, Kim quickly scored his debut goal, proving his worth. At the age of 17 years, 11 months, and 4 days, Kim's goal also placed him seventh on the K League list for youngest scorers.

The moment Kim Ye-geon's decisive goal took effect, the outcome of the Hyundai Cup derby was effectively sealed. Jeonbuk fans performed victory celebrations with confidence, while some Ulsan supporters were seen leaving the stadium on the broadcast screen. Ulsan managed a consolation goal by Yago in the 44th minute of the second half, but it came too late to prevent Jeonbuk's victory.

After the game, Kim Ye-geon danced in front of Jeonbuk fans to share the joy of victory. In that moment of celebration, his youthful face stood out even more. However, what he showed on the field was far from immature. Despite his cute appearance, his talent was formidable.

Kim Ye-geon said in a broadcast interview, "I grew up watching famous older brothers. I had thought about wanting to run with those brothers even once, and I am so happy that I was able to debut at such a young age."

He added, "I want to run a lot in Gyeonggi-do step by step, score many goals, and show the fans a good image. I want to help my seniors a lot."

Meanwhile, fourth-place Ulsan now stands at 8 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses (27 points) following this defeat. The team has been struggling recently with one draw and two losses in its last three matches. Additionally, fifth-place Gangwon FC, which has the same number of points but has played one fewer game than Ulsan, could potentially overtake them in the standings.

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*This content was translated by AI.