The K-League is living in an era of Ulsan HD. It was in 2022 that we shook off the sadness of “second place in a lifetime.” It was the first time to win the K-League 1 title in 17 years. After enduring countless years of tears, people couldn’t express their joy. It is an old saying that goes well with the soccer record that says, “Winning is just snow that fell yesterday.” Ulsan easily crossed and again. The K-League 1 champion in 2023 and this year is Ulsan. Ulsan’s splendid coronation ceremony, which opened the “door of the dynasty,” unveiled its home Munsu Soccer Stadium on Sunday. The ending was also perfect. A whopping six goals were scored. Ulsan defeated Suwon FC 4-2 in the final match of Hana Bank’s K-League 1 2024.
Ulsan confirmed its championship title for the third consecutive year on Wednesday. It is also the first time since its foundation that it has won three consecutive championships for two consecutive years. It acquired its fifth star in the team’s history along with 1996 and 2005. It became the third “dynasties’ club” to win three consecutive titles after Seongnam FC (1993-1995 and 2001-2003) and Jeonbuk Hyundai (2017-2021), both of which were corporate teams.
Chung Ki-sun (42), the eldest son of Asan Foundation Chairman Chung Mong-joon, also kept her promise. Chung visited the stadium last year and shared the joy of winning for the first time. “Thank you fans. Ulsan Hyundai won the 2022 and 2023 seasons. I will play together until I get four stars in my heart. We are the champions today,” Chung said.
One more “winning star” was added. Chung enjoyed the “festival venue” this year. He welcomed the champions standing side by side with HD Hyundai Chairman Kwon Oh-gap and Ulsan CEO Kim Kwang-guk. The championship medal was presented to the athletes. When captain Kim Ki-hee lifted the trophy high after receiving it from Kwon, pollen and gun salute danced, and Munsoobeol was a “football heaven.” Chung announced the birth of a new dynasty during that time.
The victory party with supporters was doubly touching. Cheers chanting “regular flag” rang out again last year. Some players shouted “bonus” to keep smiling. Chung grabbed the microphone after receiving rinsing from the players, saying, “Ulsan HD won the championship. I thought I would get used to it if I win three consecutive games, but I can’t. It feels overwhelming and heartwarming. “I’m grateful to the players and the Cheoyong warriors who supported us so hard,” Chung said. “I hope you continue to cheer for the history that Ulsan HD will continue to use.”
As soon as the greeting was over, another “gift” flew in. Kim Young-kwon poured champagne on Vice Chairman Chung. He enjoyed the joy of the summit with a gesture of “Do more.”
Chung’s father, Chung Mong-joon, has contributed to the development of Korean soccer as a leader in the international soccer community beyond Korea. He served as the president of the Korea Football Association and vice president of FIFA. The 2002 World Cup Korea-Japan was hosted by Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the board. Chung finally felt as if he was learning the taste of soccer. He was caught on a broadcast camera watching the game while breathing with the general audience, not with VIP seats. 스포츠토토
Ulsan is set to take on an even bigger stage next year. It will play at the FIFA Club World Cup on behalf of Asia. The Club World Cup will be renovated next year. The event is held on a small scale every year, including continental champions and host countries, and 32 teams participate every four years to determine the best club in the world, just like the World Cup. The World Cup will host the event in a similar fashion to the previous World Cups. In Europe, 12 teams including Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid (Spain), Manchester City, Chelsea (England), Bayern Munich (Germany), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Juventus (Italy), and Inter Milan (Italy) will participate. In Asia, Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) and Urawa Reds (Japan) followed by Ulsan and Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates).