‘Grandmother’s House’ Gyeonggi Province, On the Way to ‘5-0’
Football coach Lee Jung-hyo has joined Suwon Samsung, raising hopes for a resurgence in Gyeonggi Province football.
Lee Jung-hyo, who previously led Gwangju FC to promotion in his first year and reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League, has been appointed as the new head coach of Suwon Samsung. His transfer from a citizen team to a corporate team has sparked curiosity and expectations among fans about how he will perform in this new role. The move is anticipated to further boost the football enthusiasm in Gyeonggi Province, especially considering Suwon Samsung's strong fan base that traditionally supports their side, even during their recent struggles in the K-League's second division.
Suwon Samsung's supporters have shown their loyalty in recent matches, and the club’s historical significance in Korean football draws attention to the changing landscape, where several citizen teams are now competing closely with more established corporate teams. A notable example is FC Anyang, which has recently gained traction by climbing to the first division under the strong backing of Mayor Kim Jae-ho. The team's impressive performance in the league, where they surpassed traditional powerhouse Ulsan Hyundai, highlights the growing regional support for local teams.
This trend underscores the revitalization of local football cultures in regions like Gyeonggi Province, where initiatives by local governments, like promoting FC Anyang through advertisements and active community engagement, have transformed football fandom into a communal and economic asset. This collective enthusiasm is expected to redefine the future of regional football, as it engages citizens and boosts local team spirits.