On July 2, 2025, Gwangju FC will host Ulsan HD in a highly anticipated 2025 Hana Bank Korea Cup Round of 8 match at the Gwangju World Cup Stadium, kicking off at 7 PM. This clash not only pits two formidable K League sides against each other but also carries significant implications for both teams’ ambitions in domestic and Asian football.
Gwangju FC, under the guidance of head coach Lee Jung-hyo, is determined to make a deep run in the Korea Cup and is eyeing the title with fierce ambition. This season marks Lee’s fourth year at the helm, and his hunger for success is palpable. “This year, I have a strong desire to win the Korea Cup,” Lee stated confidently. The team has shown resilience and tactical flexibility, successfully navigating through the Round of 32 by defeating Gyeongju Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power FC and then overcoming Suwon FC in a nail-biting Round of 16 match that ended 1-1 after 120 minutes and was decided by a 4-3 penalty shootout victory.
Gwangju’s lineup for the upcoming battle is set in a 4-3-3 formation, featuring attacking talents Gabriel, Asani, and Jung Ji-hoon leading the front line. The midfield trio of Joo Se-jong, Heise, and Choi Kyung-rok will orchestrate play, while the back four consists of Kim Han-gil, Min Sang-gi, Byun Jun-soo, and Cho Sung-kwon, with Kim Kyung-min guarding the goal. This squad composition reflects a well-balanced unit capable of both solid defense and dynamic attack.
Coach Lee has been strategic in managing his squad throughout the demanding season. Given the congested schedule with commitments in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) and K League matches, he has implemented active player rotation in Korea Cup fixtures, allowing those with limited minutes in other competitions to gain valuable playing time. This approach has paid dividends, as Gwangju currently sits in good form, boasting two wins and a draw in their last three league outings and climbing to fifth place in the K League 1 standings.
Attackers Asani, Heise, Park In-hyeok, and Jung Ji-hoon have been particularly impressive, with multi-goal performances in consecutive matches, signaling a potent offensive threat. Their rising form adds an extra layer of confidence as Gwangju prepares to face Ulsan on home turf.
On the other side, Ulsan HD arrives at Gwangju with a different set of challenges. Led by coach Kim Pan-gon, Ulsan is grappling with fatigue and injury concerns following their grueling participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States. The team endured a tough campaign, losing all group stage matches against some of the world’s elite clubs, which exposed the gap between Ulsan and global powerhouses. The long-distance travel, extreme heat, and even lightning delays took a toll on the players’ physical and mental states.
Compounding their woes, key players such as defender Seol Young-woo and winger Um Won-sang sustained injuries during the Club World Cup, further weakening the squad. Ulsan has also struggled domestically, currently languishing in seventh place in the K League 1 with 29 points after 21 rounds—16 points behind league leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Despite having played two fewer matches due to their international commitments, closing this gap looks increasingly difficult.
Ulsan’s recent form has been underwhelming, with only one draw and four losses in their last five matches, including three defeats at the Club World Cup. Their last league victory came on May 24, 2025, against Gimcheon Sangmu, a 3-2 win. Since then, the team has been searching for a spark to reignite their season.
Moreover, Ulsan has had just one day of rest after returning from the Club World Cup before facing Gwangju, raising concerns about their readiness and stamina. This short recovery period contrasts sharply with Gwangju’s situation, which benefits from home advantage and a squad in better physical condition.
For Ulsan, the Korea Cup represents a vital opportunity to salvage their season. Winning the Korea Cup would not only restore some pride but also secure a coveted spot in next season’s Asian club competitions. If the Korea Cup champion finishes within the top four of the K League 1, they earn direct qualification to the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) group stage. Otherwise, they qualify for the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2). Given their diminished prospects in the league, the Korea Cup is now their best shot at continental football.
Ulsan’s path to the final could become more manageable if they overcome Gwangju, as they would then face the winner of the K League 2 matchup between Gimpo FC and Bucheon FC in the semifinals. This potential route adds extra incentive for Ulsan to bring their best performance despite the physical and psychological hurdles.
Coach Lee Jung-hyo is aware of Ulsan’s precarious state post-Club World Cup and plans to capitalize on it. “Ulsan is playing their first match after the FIFA Club World Cup. Managing their condition won’t be easy,” Lee remarked. “We also endured a tough schedule after playing the ACLE Round of 8 in Saudi Arabia, which took three weeks for full recovery. We intend to exploit this aspect.”
Lee further emphasized his commitment to an all-out effort: “This year, unlike last when we faced Ulsan in the semifinals but couldn’t deploy our full strength due to focusing on the league and ACLE, we will go all in. After this game, there’s a rest period, so we will field our best squad. We plan to finish the match within 90 minutes, although we practiced penalties.”
Last year, Gwangju’s Korea Cup journey ended heartbreakingly in the semifinals against Ulsan, making this encounter a chance for redemption and progression to the coveted final. The stakes are high for both sides, with Gwangju aiming for back-to-back semi-final appearances and Ulsan fighting to keep their continental dreams alive.
As the teams prepare to face off, all eyes will be on the Gwangju World Cup Stadium, where tactical battles, physical endurance, and mental resilience will be tested. Will Gwangju’s momentum and home advantage be enough to overcome a battle-hardened but weary Ulsan? Or can Ulsan shake off their recent struggles and mount a comeback on the domestic stage? The action is set to unfold, promising an intense and thrilling Korea Cup Round of 8 showdown.