Ulsan HD’s key player, Lee Dong-kyung, was unable to join the national team due to an injury. The news came as a blow after he was initially selected for the A team. However, on the 9th, just a day before the call-up, Hong Myung-bo had to deal with a setback when Lee collapsed during training. This incident raised concerns about Ulsan’s performance in the crucial third round of the final against Suwon FC at Munsu Football Stadium for the Hana Bank K League 1 2025.
Despite the challenges, Ulsan managed to secure a vital victory. They defeated Suwon FC 1-0, thanks to a goal from Rubik in the first minute of the second half. With assistance from Lee Chung-yong, Rubik scored with a powerful left-footed shot. The match was tense, and there were moments that seemed to suggest a draw might be the outcome.
In the 49th minute of extra time, Suwon FC looked like they might break the deadlock. Sabak, the top scorer in the K-League 1 with 17 goals, had previously been a threat to Ulsan, scoring two goals in their last two encounters. He broke through Cho Hyun-woo and celebrated by removing his shirt, which led to a potential warning. However, the celebration was nullified by a VAR decision, declaring him offside. The game ended without a second goal, securing Ulsan’s win.
In the Final B, FC Anyang secured their place in the league, leaving only one spot open for another team to avoid the promotion playoff (PO). Ulsan is still in contention, needing three points from a head-on collision of ‘6 points’ and one more win in their remaining two games to guarantee their position.
The match wasn’t without its drama. In the 40th minute of the second half, Lee Dong-kyung had a chance to score during a counterattack. Um Won-sang passed to him after a sprint, but Lee Si-young of Suwon FC cleared the ball. The ball hit the post, and Lee Dong-kyung fell hard while trying to regain possession. Despite the pain, he continued playing until the end of the match. After the final whistle, he reported severe pain and was taken to the emergency room due to breathing difficulties.
Further examination revealed that Lee Dong-kyung had fractured his right lower rib, specifically ribs 10. He requires a recovery period of over four weeks. Originally called up for the Hong Myung-bo team in September and October, he is expected to miss the November matches. For a rib fracture, absolute stability is essential, which means he will need to rest completely.
Hong Myung-bo is set to depart on the 10th for two consecutive matches against Bolivia (on the 14th in Daejeon) and Ghana (on the 18th in Seoul). Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, will face the Taegeuk Warriors for the first time. However, the situation is not looking good for the team. Hwang In-beom (Feyenorton) has already been ruled out due to injury, and now Lee Dong-kyung is also unable to join the squad.
Other updates include G-Dragon sharing behind-the-scenes moments from APEC with Cha Eun-woo, Hyun-ah clarifying her statement about the Macau concert, and Park Joonghoon’s health issues. There are also reports about Seol Woon-do’s daughter being arrested for drug-related charges and Kim Sun-young anchor’s husband continuing to support him despite his illness.