The once-mighty Suwon Samsung Bluewings may have fallen, but the club is drawing renewed strength from its supporters, louder and more loyal than ever.
Jeju SK ensured their return to the Korean football league for next year on Sunday after their second straight win in a key playoff series.
A K League 2 match between just-relegated Incheon United and the once-mighty Suwon Samsung Bluewings set an attendance record as 18,282 fans packed Incheon's stadium on Saturday.
The top two divisions of Korean professional football set a single-season record for ticket sales in 2024, data showed Tuesday.
Suwon FC have reinforced their squad by signing experienced players like veteran forward Ji Dong-won from FC Seoul and defender Jeong Seung-won from rival Bluewings in addition to bringing in a new manager.
It has been over a month since the Suwon Samsung Bluewings faced relegation to the K League 2, yet the club has not made any visible changes that would significantly improve its chances of having a better run next season.
Relegated Suwon Samsung Bluewings have appointed former Korea Football Association (KFA) executive director Park Kyung-hoon as sporting director, the club announced Monday.
Kwon was without a club after his contract with the Suwon Samsung Bluewings expired last season. "I just feel thankful," Kwon said in a video posted to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors' official Instagram account.
Three of five Samsung sports teams have experienced a decline in standings over the last eight years, with the Suwon Samsung Bluewings relegated for the first time in history this year. The Samsung Lions have also seen a steep decline in rankings
League winners Ulsan Hyundai closed out the season with a 1-0 win against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors while the Suwon Samsung Bluewings face direct relegation to the second division for the very first time.
Korea JoongAng Daily Sitemap
