"Kept my promise to win within three years": Kim Ki-dong's magic... He even abandoned '1% golf, 1% family' for a '100% soccer' victory: Behind the scenes [On-site at Sangam]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Kim Ki-dong (55), FC Seoul manager, shared his thoughts on winning his first K League title.

Seoul drew 1-1 with Gangwon FC in their home match at the 33rd round of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 season on the 24th at 2 p.m. at Seoul World Cup Stadium, thanks to Moon Seon-min's equalizing goal.

With one additional point, Seoul reached 67 points (20 wins, 7 draws, 7 losses), completely shaking off the pursuit of second-place Ulsan HD (51 points), which drew with Pohang Steelers at the same time. As a result, Seoul clinched an early K League 1 title for this season on their own merit, regardless of the outcomes of the remaining five final round matches.

Seoul's rise to the top of K League 1 marks the first time in 10 years since 2016. Since the introduction of the split system, Seoul is only the third team in history to secure an early title during the regular round, following Jeonbuk Hyundai in 2018 and 2025. In front of approximately 30,000 spectators at the stadium, Seoul completely washed away a decade-long championship drought and lifted their seventh title trophy in club history.

After Gu Seong-yun's crucial penalty save during first-half stoppage time prevented a goal, Moon Seon-min, who came on as a substitute in the second half, scored the opening goal to seize the momentum. Although Seoul conceded an equalizer to Kang Jun-hyuk in the 20th minute of the second half, they held onto the 1-1 score until the final whistle.

Manager Kim Ki-dong achieved his first K League 1 title in his managerial career. Having won the FA Cup (now known as the Korea Cup) while serving as head coach of Pohang Steelers in 2023, Manager Kim lifted his second championship trophy as a manager with this victory.

After the match, Manager Kim Ki-dong stated at a press conference, "I kept my promise made upon taking office in January 2024 to 'restore Seoul's glorious past and win within three years.' I deeply reflect on having overcome difficulties to win and fulfill our promise to the fans."

Maintaining composure even amid the joy of victory, Manager Kim Ki-dong said, "We established a broad framework for the early, middle, and late stages of the season, and achieved our goals by adjusting specific objectives within that structure. This championship is merely the achievement of one goal within our plan; it is not the end, so we must continue to strive."

Regarding future goals, he stated, "We will press on without stopping toward multiple objectives, including winning the Korea Cup, achieving two or three consecutive league titles, and winning the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL)."

He also did not forget to express gratitude to his players. In particular, he revealed deep regret over Song Min-gyu, who transferred to Europe mid-season (CD Nacional). Manager Kim Ki-dong said, "I wonder if we would have clinched the title earlier had (Song) Min-gyu not left midway. He had no choice but to go to Saudi Arabia to earn money, and it is a pity that he could not be with us, both as a manager and as a senior figure. I received a video call from him, and I think he might shave his head bald for tomorrow's match."

Although he has risen to the ranks of undeniably top managers, he stated that he would accept the accompanying pressure. Manager Kim Ki-dong said, "Since coming to Seoul, I have received both criticism and praise, and that is what being a manager entails. All criticism becomes praise when goals are achieved. A manager must prove himself through results."

With five league matches and ACL fixtures still remaining, he refrained from commenting on the season's Most Valuable Player (MVP), stating that he would decide after consulting with the club.

Finally, he shared a lighthearted anecdote and expressed gratitude to his family, who had quietly supported him. Manager Kim Ki-dong said, "When I received the Manager of the Year award in 2020, I once said that '98% of my life was soccer, 1% was family, and 1% was golf.' But when I came to Seoul, my wife told me, 'I will give up my 1%, so play 99% soccer and 1% golf,' which drew laughter from the audience."

He added, "So I also gave up (golf) and devoted myself 100% to soccer over the past three years. Saying only that I am sorry to my family has become boring by now. Rather than saying I am sorry, I want to tell them I love them. I will treat you all to a meal."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original