Even the rival team applauded! Seoul's coronation with V7 after a 10-year wait... Manager Chung Kyung-ho: "Congratulations to the respected Manager Kim Ki-dong on winning the championship. Please become a leading club" [On-site at Sangam]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Chung Kyung-ho (46), manager of Gangwon FC, congratulated FC Seoul on their championship victory.

Gangwon drew 1-1 away against FC Seoul in the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 33 match held at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 2 p.m. on the 24th.

With one additional point, Gangwon moved to fifth place with 48 points (11 wins, 15 draws, 7 losses), failing to climb higher in the standings and having to settle for advancing to Final A. On the other hand, Seoul secured an early championship title in K League 1 this season on their own merit, regardless of the results of the remaining five matches in the final round, as they completely shook off the pursuit of second-place Ulsan HD (51 points) with 67 points (20 wins, 7 draws, 7 losses).

Gangwon suffered a bitter setback when they failed to take the lead despite securing a penalty kick opportunity amid a tense exchange in the first half, as Kim Dae-won missed the shot. After conceding the opening goal to Moon Seon-min in the second half, Gangwon quickly equalized with a goal by Kang Jun-hyuk and launched a counterattack, but ultimately failed to score an additional goal.

After the match, Manager Chung Kyung-ho began by saying, "I sincerely thank the fans who came to support us on this away trip to Seoul. I sincerely congratulate the respected Manager Kim Ki-dong on winning the K League championship."

He then spoke about the positive impact that Seoul's championship would have on the entire K League. Manager Chung Kyung-ho said, "The atmosphere at the Sangam site today was wonderful. Ulsan and Jeonbuk had shared the championship for a while, but with Seoul winning this year, I think the league will develop further if they contribute through bold investments as a leading club," offering his heartfelt congratulations.

Regarding the team's performance, he stated, "Setting aside Seoul's championship, we played our own game," adding, "It was a match that once again confirmed how good a team Gangwon is and how much trouble we can cause opponents, playing away at Sangam with an enormous crowd against the champion."

Nevertheless, he expressed regret, saying, "If the missed penalty kick near the end of the first half had been converted into a goal, we would have completely taken control of the momentum. It is a pity. If our finishing had been better in the second half, such as Kang Jun-hyuk's shot, we could have won."

Regarding the injuries to Mo Jae-hyun and Hwang Moon-ki, he said, "Fortunately, Mo Jae-hyun has only a contusion, but Hwang Moon-ki is suspected of having a fracture and was rushed to the hospital. He may even need surgery," adding, "He was a player who injected good energy into the team after his return from national duty, so it is the most disappointing. With a thin squad, the absence of key players creates significant difficulties."

Regarding future operational plans, he stated, "Fatigue has accumulated, and we are considering various options such as rotation. Injuries have emerged, creating variables, but we must also pay attention to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL)," vowing, "We will strive to secure as many victories as possible in the final round. We will communicate with the players, set new goals, and lift the team up."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original