'Jeong Jeong-yong-ho' Jeonbuk Hyundai's humiliation, defeat to 'third-tier team' Dangjin in penalty shootout... Shocking exit from Korea Cup Round of 16

*This content was translated by AI.

Jeonbuk Hyundai, which won the K League 1 and Korea Cup 'double' (two titles) last season, was defeated by Dangjin Citizen FC, a semi-professional team in the K3 League, and eliminated from the Korea Cup Round of 16.

On the 19th, Jeonbuk drew 2-2 with Dangjin Citizen FC after regular time and extra time in the 2026–2027 Korea Cup Round of 16 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium, but lost 3-5 in the penalty shootout.

Jeonbuk is the 'defending champion' and tied for first place with six titles in this tournament, while Dangjin Citizen FC ranks fifth among 14 teams in the semi-professional K3 League.

However, despite having a clear objective advantage in team strength, Jeonbuk failed to dominate its opponent and was forced into a tight contest that even went to penalties, where it committed errors during the shootout and bowed its head before home fans.

Jeong Jeong-yong, Jeonbuk's manager, who has been under pressure to step down after managing only one win in six matches (two draws, three losses), including two consecutive defeats in the K League 1 recently, faced fierce criticism from Jeonbuk fans immediately following this shocking loss.

In the first half's 11th minute, an absurd error occurred when center-back Park Ji-soo cleared the ball directly to Dangjin midfielder Ryu Federal Reserve in front of the goal, and Ryu did not miss the opportunity, scoring a decisive strike.

Fortunately, Jeonbuk equalized in the 20th minute of the first half through a counterattack goal by Iralo, restoring balance; however, in the fifth minute of the second half, a defensive clearance failed to clear the ball properly, leading to another goal against them.

Jeonbuk regained parity in the 20th minute of the second half with an equalizing goal by Han Seok-jin during a counterattack, but ultimately could not overturn the result and entered extra time. Even in extra time, neither side managed to break the deadlock, leading to a penalty shootout.

The balance tipped at the third kicker. Jeonbuk's kicker Kim Ha-jun's shot was saved by Dangjin goalkeeper Choi Young-eun. Unlike Jeonbuk, all of Dangjin's first five kickers successfully converted their penalties. Ultimately, the spot in the tournament quarterfinals went to the 'third-league team' Dangjin.

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*This content was translated by AI.