Jung Kyung-ho, a defining figure at Kangwon FC, is navigating the turbulent waters of the Korea Professional Football League.

[MyDaily = Seoul World Cup Stadium, Reporter Choi Byung-jin] In a moment that captured the mood of the evening, Kangwon FC's Coach Jung Kyung-ho was handed a 'megaphone' by the faithful followers of the team.

Kangwon FC endured a challenging 2-4 defeat to FC Seoul during the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025' round 34 clash held at the iconic Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 26th.

The loss was a bitter pill for Kangwon to swallow. Despite a robust start, where Kangwon exerted relentless pressure that stifled Seoul’s offensive plays, they initially gained the upper hand. Through well-coordinated offensive strategies, Kim Gun-hee managed to net a goal in the first half, followed by Mo Jae-hyun successfully converting a penalty kick at the onset of the second half, seemingly setting the stage for a commanding win.

Yet, it was from the 27th minute into the second half that Kangwon's fortunes reversed dramatically. In a mere seven-minute span, they conceded three goals, undermining their lead. Lingard netted twice, Ryu Jae-moon scored a goal that shifted momentum, and Chun Sung-hoon ensured the victory for Seoul with a decisive goal at the dying moments of the game.

Post-match, the Kangwon fans, visibly frustrated, handed a megaphone to Coach Jung. This gesture was symbolic and extended beyond the disappointment of the loss to Seoul.

The contrasting performances by Kangwon in different halves have become a point of concern. Coach Jung’s strategies seem to bear fruit in the first 45 minutes, often putting opponents on the backfoot. However, the second half has consistently revealed vulnerabilities, leading to unexpected collapses.

The woes for Kangwon were not isolated to their match against Seoul. During the encounter with FC Anyang in Round 32, Kangwon was leading by a solitary goal, only to concede an equalizer in the dying moments. A similar scenario unfolded against Daegu FC, where a 2-0 advantage was squandered into a 2-2 stalemate. In the AFC Champions League Elite match against Vissel Kobe, a commanding 3-0 lead evaporated into a 3-3 draw in the second half. Although Kim Gun-hee eventually clinched a win with an extra-time goal, these patterns of relinquishing leads have sown seeds of concern, highlighted by the recent loss to Seoul.

The loyal Kangwon supporters voiced their dissatisfaction with these recurring performances, prompting Coach Jung to address them directly, megaphone in hand. In a candid post-match press conference, Coach Jung acknowledged the fans' sentiments, stating, "I believe the fans share our disappointment. They likely feel it more deeply than we do. They've consistently urged us to sustain our momentum into the second half. I am not shying away from accountability. It's a valid critique, and my goal is to address it."

While there is consensus on the necessity of bolstering second-half performances, the gesture of the megaphone has sparked debate. Despite recent setbacks, Kangwon's surprising elevation to runners-up status last season and their consistent presence in Final A over two consecutive years stand out. Presently, they are positioned third in the ACLE with 6 points from 2 victories and a single defeat. A K League insider questioned whether the critique leveled at the club, considering their achievements and stature, was perhaps too harsh.

Jung Kyung-ho, Kangwon FC Coach/Korea Professional Football League

A crucial element contributing to Seoul's comeback was their bench strength, a luxury Kangwon struggled to match. This season has exposed a vulnerability in Kangwon’s lineup, particularly due to the lack of foreign players. This was evident in the recent match, where Gabriel's absence, due to accumulated yellow cards, left a void on the bench. Lingard's role as a pivotal 'game changer' for Seoul highlighted the potential disadvantage of Kangwon's domestic-heavy squad. An earlier mentioned official remarked, "Isn't it noteworthy that this is Coach Jung's inaugural season as head coach?" While enhancing second-half tactics and effectively utilizing substitutes remain key areas for Coach Jung's improvement, approaching this challenge with pragmatism is essential.

Coach Jung candidly shared his internal struggles, stating, "I am losing sleep analyzing our opponents," and emphasized, "Reflecting on our past performances, reaching runners-up last year and making it to Final A this year undeniably marks our progress. My development as a coach parallels this trajectory." He went on to acknowledge the fans’ aspirations for greater success and assured, "I will work on improving our second-half scenarios. Now is the time for us to rally together in support," he appealed for unity and encouragement.

Coach Jung also shared his complex feelings. "I am really losing sleep to analyze the opponents," he said, emphasizing, "Looking at our historical performance, we were runners-up last year and reached Final A this year. There is no doubt about our growth. The same goes for me as a coach." He continued, "I fully understand that fans want higher achievements and better performances. I will definitely improve the second-half situations. Now is the time to unite our efforts," he urged for support.