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‘Winning for 2 consecutive years’ Ulsan, ‘Club’s first ACL advance’ Gwangju, gathering place of stars Gwangju Jeong Ho-yeon wins Hangzhou gold medal and K-League Young Player Award

 

MVP crying

 

The 2023 professional soccer season was a year in which Ulsan Hyundai, which had been dominant since the beginning of the season, early confirmed its title as champion for the second consecutive year and reigned as the strongest team in Korea.

 

Gwangju FC, a sensationally promoted team, ended the season in 3rd place in Final A in the midst of a battle for rankings, bringing a breath of fresh air to domestic soccer.

 

It was natural that stars who embellished professional soccer were born in Ulsan and Gwangju, two teams this year.

 

First, Ulsan"s central defender Kim Young-kwon (33) was selected as the K-League 1 Most Valuable Player (MVP) and became the brightest star in the K-League this season.

 

Kim Young-kwon, who made his professional debut at FC Tokyo (Japan) in 2010, played in Japan and China, and entered the K-League last year wearing an Ulsan uniform, was honored as the best player in his second season.

 

Kim Young-kwon, the core of the defense who played in 32 league games this season, led Ulsan to a tie for third place in the fewest goals conceded (42 goals).They were only 2 runs behind Pohang (40 goals conceded), which ranked first in the fewest goals conceded.

 

Kim Young-kwon has played 103 A matches, including appearances in three consecutive World Cups, including the 2014 Brazil, 2018 Russia, and 2022 Qatar tournaments, so Kim Young-kwon calmed the anxiety about Ulsan"s backfield with his strong defense and leadership.

 

Ulsan, with a stable back line, attacked freely and ranked first in scoring in the league (63 points).

 

The salty defense centered around Kim Young-kwon became the foundation of Ulsan"s league dominance.

 

Ulsan coach Hong Myung-bo praised Kim Young-kwon, saying, "He is a player who plays an important role in the soccer I play. He is the best among domestic defenders in terms of build-up. He played a big role in winning this year"s championship."

 

2023 K League 1 Highest Scorer Award: Joo Min-gyu, Ulsan Hyundai

 

Ulsan striker Joo Min-gyu (33) scored 17 goals and regained the top scorer in two years since 2021 when he was a member of Jeju United.

 

Ju Min-gyu has the same number of points as Thiago (Daejeon), but he took the top scorer due to less playing time.

 

Last season, he scored 17 goals, the same as Cho Gyu-seong (Midtjylland), but shook off the regret of being delayed in playing time.

 

Joo Min-gyu, who became the top scorer for the first time in his career in 2021, became the fifth player in the K League to win the top scorer more than twice, and the fourth player in 20 years and history to be the top scorer more than twice.

 

Now all that remains is the Taegeuk mark.

 

Joo Min-gyu has never been selected for the national team under former coach Paulo Bento and under current coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

 

Joo Min-gyu, who was unable to wear the Taegeuk mark, said, “Now I’m going to put my mind down and wait calmly.” He added, “One day, if I work hard and be humble, I will be able to wear the Taegeuk mark.”

 

However, as the existing national team striker, Hwang Ui-jo (Norwich City), was temporarily excluded from the national team selection after being accused of illegal filming, the possibility that Coach Klinsmann"s attention, who must fill the empty spot, will

now turn to Joo Min-gyu cannot be ruled out.

 

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