We didn't think of this… Ki Sung-yueng effect in his 2nd month of joining Pohang to dance

Aug 25, 2025

◇photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association

In his 20th year as a professional, he played 110 A matches. However, he is in his second month of joining the Pohang Steelers. This is the current state of veteran Ki Sung-yueng (36).

Expectations and concerns crossed when Ki Sung-yueng left FC Seoul for Pohang on June 25. Not only the K League, but also the European stage and the Olympics-World Cup, there were mixed views that Pohang would be upgraded with experiences gained throughout their lives, and doubts about whether his skills, which rarely rebound, would be revived. After wearing the Pohang uniform, the box office effect definitely caused the home stadium's still yard, but attention was paid to how it will show in actual performance. Variables overlapped, including a two-week diagnosis during a microfracture of ribs against Gwangju FC on the 10th.

Ki returned to the mound at a home game against Jeonbuk Hyundai on Monday. The crowd of 11,582 people cheered for Ki when he showed up at 21 minutes in the second half. Ki Sung-yueng, who stepped on the ground with his team leading 3-1, was busy not only blocking Jeonbuk's offensive but also playing a role as an offensive starting point in the counterattack. Although he was 100% far from his condition due to injury and rest, he was able to leave the ground with a smile, helping Pohang win by two goals.

Pohang lost three consecutive games shortly after Ki Sung-yueng joined, causing concern. However, it rebounded with a 1-0 victory over Daegu FC at the end of last month, beat Gwangju FC and FC Anyang 1-0 respectively, and destroyed Jeonbuk, which had been undefeated (20 wins and 6 draws) in 26 consecutive games this season. Despite suffering from Jeonbuk's offensive throughout the second half, he did not give up a gap, but rather aimed for an additional goal with a counterattack. It was impressive to see that he was shaken by Jeonbuk's offensive at the halfway point of the second half and found stability starting with Ki Sung-yueng's input.

◇photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association

Giorgi, a foreign striker who scored multiple goals in the match against Jeonbuk, said about Ki Sung-yueng, `A player with a lot of experience.' Then "We have a lot of things that we didn't think of. I'm trying to learn that part, but Ki Sung-yueng is also trying to pass it on generously. I think that's what brings a lot of changes to the team," he said, explaining the effect of Ki Sung-yueng. Hong Yoon-sang, who has recently played a key role in Pohang's attack, also said "(Ki) Sung-yong hyung said 'I've done a good job when I came,' and I feel like my soccer skills have risen since Sung-yong joined. That's how the record comes out. (Sung-yong) is a legend to me, too. I'm really learning a lot. I'm grateful that you seem to be having a good influence on your juniors in Pohang."

After joining Pohang, Ki Sung-yueng prepared with the idea that this year will be the last from winter training. I wanted to decorate the last with a great victory cup with my fans in Seoul. I was worried that I would not be given a chance in Seoul. At first, I thought about retiring because it was not easy to draw a picture of going to another team"The daughter said "Why isn't Dad running?" My daughter wanted to see me run. He was injured in his last game for the national team. There was a regret about that. I wanted to show everyone who supported me to retire in a good way." Then "Now, it's a great thing to be able to stand on the ground. The coach gave me a chance, so I want to repay it, and I want to pour out everything I can for the members who trust me in this team. "My biggest goal is to finish Pohang with good performance." "I feel that Pohang has its own atmosphere and philosophy, and I will share that and try to unfold it on the ground." I want to give my experience and knowledge to young players as much as possible. It won't be easy for young players to approach first, so I'll be able to approach and adapt first" expressed his determination. Ki Sung-yueng is proving that his words were not a pretense inside and outside the ground.