'A 0-7 Catastrophic Defeat' Yet Fans Clapped and Encouraged Them: "It Was So Embarrassing I Didn't Know Where to Look... Thank You, I'm Sorry" [Anyang On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Even after suffering a historic 0-7 defeat against their rival at home, the fans continued to offer encouragement and applause until the end. The team's "gatekeeper" found it difficult to lift his head.

On the afternoon of the 22nd at 7:30 p.m., Anyang suffered a crushing 0-7 loss in their home match against Seoul at Anyang Stadium during the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 24, conceding five goals in the first half alone. The defeat marked the club's worst-ever single-game goal concession and largest margin of loss, while also extending their losing streak to four consecutive regular-season matches. In the post-match press conference, head coach Yoo Byung-hoon bowed his head to the fans, saying, "It is 100% my fault."

The mental toll on the goalkeeper who conceded seven goals was immense. In a meeting at the mixed zone, Kim Jung-hoon's expression was deeply marked by self-blame and regret. He said, "I feel most sorry to our fans. All players are well aware of the symbolism and significance of this match, which makes accepting today's result even harder." He added, "Even if we replay it ten times, it is clear that the fault lies with us. Today, we must all deeply reflect on this painful loss. From tomorrow onward, we need to prepare for the next match with a renewed mindset."

For him, who has consistently provided a solid defensive presence since joining Anyang, conceding seven goals is a harsh wound. Kim Jung-hoon stated, "Personally and as a team, we have learned a great lesson that 'this must never happen again.' Our task is not how to remember this but to quickly clear it from our minds and move on. We will grit our teeth and prepare so that such a devastating result never occurs again, and we will repay the fans with victory in front of them."

The most difficult moments for the goalkeeper came after conceding five goals in the first half while heading to the locker room and just before the second half began. Instead of jeers from the stands, waves of comfort and encouraging applause poured down.

Kim Jung-hoon shared, "Even when we entered the locker room at halftime and when we returned for the second half, the fans clapped and said 'It's okay.' On one hand, I was so embarrassed that I didn't know where to look." He continued, "Although our performance was far from deserving of applause, it was both surprising and touching that they cheered us on. Had they cursed at us instead, we might have been more alert. But their encouragement struck deeper into my heart and made me feel even more sorry. Next time, I will prepare well so that we can confidently accept applause when we are winning."

Kim Jung-hoon also reflected on an incident early in the first half when tensions flared near the goalmouth over Jeong Seung-won's celebration for Seoul. He explained, "From Seoul's perspective, they may have been performing the celebration while looking at the camera, which could be misinterpreted. However, given our previous encounter with Suga, Anyang reacted somewhat sensitively." He added, "After conceding, we should have quickly reviewed the goal and discussed it among ourselves. Instead, we got excited and protested, which is something we must reflect upon."

Kim Jung-hoon, who constantly reviews goals conceded and blames himself even in normal times, said, "Before the Seoul match, I felt personally well-prepared and became overly ambitious. That ambition may have been excessive, leading to a poor result." He concluded, "After the game, we will deeply reflect. When we take the field for the next match, we will clear all regrets and focus again to maintain stability from behind and concede as few goals as possible."

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*This content was translated by AI.