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'Lee Jung-hyo' Suwon Shocked by Busan Transportation Corporation Defeat... 'As Many as 6 Games' Historic Giant Killings Poured In [Korea Cup Summary]

Published:

Park Geondo

*This content was translated by AI.

Busan Transportation Corporation players celebrate after scoring the go-ahead goal against Suwon Samsung. /Photo=Korea Football Association (KFA) provided
Busan Transportation Corporation players celebrate after scoring the go-ahead goal against Suwon Samsung. /Photo=Korea Football Association (KFA) provided

'Giant Killing' celebration continues. The Korea Cup Round 2 was marked by a string of upsets.

On the 15th, among the 16th matches held simultaneously for the 2026–2027 Hana Bank Korea Cup Round 2, no fewer than six lower-division teams defeated higher-division opponents to advance to Round 3.

This round featured a total of 32 teams: 11 K3 League teams and 4 K4 League teams that advanced from Round 1, joined by 17 K League 2 teams.

Jinju Citizen FC, leading the K4 League, caused an upset by defeating Ansan Greeners of K League 2 in an away match, with Jeong Woo-bin scoring the opening goal and Han Dong-hoon adding another for a decisive 2-0 victory.

Siheung Citizen FC, top of the K3 League, also secured a thrilling 1-0 win against Daegu FC of K League 2 in an away game, holding on to Kim Min-seong's late first-half goal that broke the deadlock in the 16th minute.

Match scenes between Busan Transportation Corporation and Suwon Samsung. A challenge scene between Busan's Ahn Chi-woo and Suwon's Kim Ji-sung. /Photo=Korea Football Association (KFA) provided
Match scenes between Busan Transportation Corporation and Suwon Samsung. A challenge scene between Busan's Ahn Chi-woo and Suwon's Kim Ji-sung. /Photo=Korea Football Association (KFA) provided

Dangjin Citizen FC, which won the K4 League last year and was promoted to the K3 League this year, also defeated Yongin FC of K League 2 with a 2-0 scoreline thanks to consecutive goals by Ji Sang-wook and Kim Young-seon.

Busan Transportation Corporation, a traditional powerhouse in the K3 League, led by coach Lee Jung-hyo, overcame Suwon Samsung of K League 2 in an extended battle, winning 2-1. After conceding the opening goal to Suwon's Pesin in the 11th minute and trailing, Busan equalized through Yan's goal in the 17th minute of the second half, pushing the match into extra time. They then held on to a lead secured by an own goal from their opponent during stoppage time in the first half of extra time, pulling off a giant killing.

Ulsan Citizen FC of the K3 League also drew 2-2 with Seoul E-Land of K League 2 over regular and extra time, then staged a one-man show in extra time as defender Kim Min-gi scored two solo goals to secure a dramatic 4-2 victory. With this win, Ulsan Citizen FC will face Ulsan HD FC of K League 1 in a historic Ulsan derby in Round 3.

Furthermore, Yeosu FC of the K3 League capped off the giant killings with a 1-0 victory over Gyeongnam FC of K League 2, thanks to Kim Ju-hyung's dramatic winning goal in the second half of extra time.

Siheung Citizen FC players celebrate after defeating Daegu FC. /Photo=Korea Football Association (KFA) provided
Siheung Citizen FC players celebrate after defeating Daegu FC. /Photo=Korea Football Association (KFA) provided

Meanwhile, Cheonan City FC, Chungbuk Cheongju FC, Hwaseong FC, Gimpo FC, Suwon FC, Gimhae FC 2008, Seongnam FC, Busan IPark, and Paju Frontiers FC successfully repelled challenges from lower-division teams and avoided upsets. In the only matchup between K League 2 teams, Asan Mugunghwa FC defeated Jeonnam Dragons to advance to the next round.

The Korea Cup, Korea's premier cup competition encompassing both professional and amateur clubs, has undergone major reforms in its operation format, schedule, and prize money scale starting from the 2026–2027 season. The total prize pool increased from 712 million won to 1.14 billion won, while the winner's prize was significantly raised from 300 million won to 500 million won.

The 2026–2027 Korea Cup preliminary rounds through the Round of 16 will be held from June 20 to August 19, 2026. The remaining schedule will resume next spring, taking into account K League and AFC Champions League fixtures. The quarterfinals are scheduled for May 19, 2027, the semifinals on May 26, and the long-awaited final on June 5, 2027.

The Round 3 matches, featuring the 16th teams that advanced from Round 2 against eight K League 1 teams, will take place on the 29th.

Match scenes between Daegu FC and Siheung Citizen FC. Siheung players celebrate Kim Min-seong's goal. /Photo=Korea Football Association (KFA) provided
Match scenes between Daegu FC and Siheung Citizen FC. Siheung players celebrate Kim Min-seong's goal. /Photo=Korea Football Association (KFA) provided

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*This content was translated by AI.

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