Spring has returned to Korean professional football. As of the 21st, when 12 K-League 1 teams played 7 matches each, the average number of spectators was 11,039. Compared to this time last year (3,555), the number has more than tripled. This is the highest record since only paying spectators were counted.
Daejeon Hana Citizen is a club that does not fall out of the spring breeze on the soccer field. Daejeon, which returned to the K-League 1 (Part 1) after 8 years, is attracting spectators with an incredible record (3rd place, 4 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss) as a promoted team.
59,403 people (average 14,851 people) entered the 4 home games in Daejeon this year. It has already surpassed the total number of spectators (45,411) last year, which caused a sensation in the second division. It is reminiscent of the early 2000s, when it was called ‘Soccer Special City’, with cloud spectators flocking to it every game.
There are two secrets to Daejeon’s return to its former level of popularity, which was the first team to step onto the stage after becoming a corporate team.
The hot attacking football fascinated the fans. Usually, teams from the second division prioritize defense in consideration of the difference in power, but in Daejeon, attacking football is the weapon that does not back down no matter who it faces. The match against Ulsan Hyundai, which was on a 6-game winning streak in the opening game, was also won 2-1 after a heated battle. In the Suwon FC expedition, where Daejeon lost for the only time this year, the two teams exchanged 8 goals.
Daejeon coach Lee Min-seong (50) laughed, saying, “Our players are not good at defending.” Because it is efficient in management,” he said.
Among the fans, interest is in whether the owner, Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo, who is called a ‘virtuous virtue’, ‘intuitively’ the home game. The attendance rate this year is 50%, but the win rate is 100%. As Chairman Ham danced with his players shoulder to shoulder right after the 3-2 victory over FC Seoul on the 1st, the fans responded by calling his name. A flag with Ham’s face was also fluttered in the stands.
The revival of Daejeon,스포츠토토 the capital city of soccer, can serve as a role model for clubs in the city and provinces. This is because it gave hope that things can change if we get rid of the constraints of taxes. Banks that are closely related to the region can create synergies in many ways.
Director Lee said, “If Daejeon continues to show good football, other city and provincial clubs can also get attention. I also have a desire that the bank derby will come out of the K-League someday.”