It was billed as the "Korean Derby"—and, wow, did it deliver on the hype! On January 10, 2026, at Berlin’s iconic Stadion An der Alten Försterei, Union Berlin and Mainz battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Bundesliga’s 16th round. But it wasn’t just the scoreline that had fans buzzing. This match was a showcase for two of South Korea’s brightest football stars: Jung Woo-young of Union Berlin and Lee Jae-sung of Mainz. Both players left indelible marks on the game, each notching key attacking contributions and further igniting the growing rivalry between their clubs.
Let’s set the stage. Union Berlin, enjoying a three-match unbeaten streak (two wins and a draw), sat comfortably mid-table before kickoff, boasting a record of 6 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses for 22 points—good enough for ninth place. Mainz, on the other hand, were desperate for a turnaround. Mired in a 12-game winless run (with 5 draws and 7 losses), they languished at the bottom of the standings with just 9 points from 1 win, 6 draws, and 9 losses.
From the first whistle, the match promised fireworks, and the opening half delivered. Lee Jae-sung, starting as a central midfielder for Mainz, wasted no time making his presence felt. In the 30th minute, he delivered a perfectly weighted pass over Union Berlin’s defense, finding Nadim Amiri, who volleyed home with his left foot. As reported by News1, "Lee Jae-sung’s pass from midfield set up Amiri’s left-footed volley for the opening goal." This was Lee’s first Bundesliga assist of the season—a milestone in what’s already been a productive campaign for the Mainz midfielder.
Mainz, buoyed by the early lead, pressed their advantage. In the 69th minute (the 24th of the second half), Lee was again at the heart of the action. Carrying the ball down the left, he threaded a pass to Niklas Fährmann, who in turn sent a low ball across the face of goal. Benedikt Hollerbach was there to finish, doubling Mainz’s lead and seemingly putting the visitors in control. As OSEN reported, "Lee Jae-sung played a key role in Mainz’s second goal, initiating the attack from the left wing."
But Union Berlin weren’t about to roll over—not on their home turf. Sensing the urgency, manager Nenad Bjelica turned to his bench. In the 71st minute, Jung Woo-young was introduced, and it took him just six minutes to make an impact. In the 77th minute, left-back Derrick Köhn whipped in a teasing cross from the left. Jung, showing both bravery and anticipation, launched himself forward and connected with a diving header, sending the ball past Mainz’s keeper. That was Jung’s first Bundesliga goal of the season—a moment made even more special by the fact that his father-in-law, actor Lee Kwang-gi, was in the stands. According to OSEN, Lee Kwang-gi posted on social media, "Our son-in-law is the best! To see his first goal of the new year in person—amazing."
The momentum had shifted, and Union Berlin pressed for an equalizer. The breakthrough came in the 86th minute. After a free-kick led to a scramble in the box, Danilho Doekhi’s header rattled the crossbar. The rebound fell kindly to Marin Ljubičić, who nodded it home, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans. With the score now level at 2-2, both teams pushed for a winner, but the defenses held firm in the closing minutes.
And so, the match ended in a draw, but what a ride it was. Both South Korean stars finished with impressive stat lines. Jung Woo-young, despite starting on the bench, now has 6 goals and 9 assists in 9 Bundesliga appearances this season, with 22 shots on goal. Lee Jae-sung, meanwhile, boasts 5 goals and 7 assists in 12 games, with 18 shots on target. Their contributions in this match were emblematic of their consistent performances all season long.
For Union Berlin, the result kept their unbeaten run alive and solidified their mid-table status, while for Mainz, the point was bittersweet. The team’s winless streak extended to 12 matches, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table, but the performance offered hope. As News1 noted, "Despite the draw, Mainz showed resilience and attacking flair, with Lee Jae-sung at the heart of their best moments."
Quotes from the players themselves were not immediately available after the match, but the social media buzz was palpable, especially surrounding Jung Woo-young’s emotional goal celebration. Lee Kwang-gi’s post summed up the pride felt by families and fans alike, and the Korean football community celebrated this rare Bundesliga meeting between two national team regulars.
The match also underscored the growing influence of Korean players in European football. With both Jung and Lee delivering in high-pressure moments, their performances will surely be watched closely by national team selectors and fans back home. The Bundesliga has long been a proving ground for Korean talent, and this "Korean Derby" was a testament to that tradition.
Looking ahead, Union Berlin will aim to build on their recent form and push for a European spot, while Mainz must find a way to turn encouraging performances into much-needed victories. The relegation battle is heating up, and every point will count as the season progresses.
For now, football fans can savor the spectacle that was Union Berlin versus Mainz—a match that had everything: drama, skill, and a touch of family pride. As the Bundesliga season rolls on, the exploits of Jung Woo-young and Lee Jae-sung will remain a highlight, not just for their clubs, but for Korean football as a whole.
With both teams earning a point, the Bundesliga table remains tight in the middle and tense at the bottom. All eyes will be on the next chapter of this fascinating season—and on the next meeting between these two Korean stars.
