'World Cup semifinal hero' Seol Kihyeon named Gimhae FC's new manager ... "Delivering results is most important"

Gyeongnam Gimhae FC 2008 announced on October 28 that it had appointed Seol Kihyeon as its sixth manager.

Seol was a key player in South Korea's historic run to the semifinals of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, scoring a dramatic equalizer in the Round of 16 match against Italy.

As a player, he competed in Europe, including in Belgium and the United Kingdom, and gained experience in South Korea's professional league with clubs such as Pohang Steelers, Ulsan Hyundai and Incheon United.

Seol Kihyeon, the new head coach of Gyeongnam Gimhae FC. [Photo provided by Gimhae City]

As a coach, he has served as manager of Sungkyunkwan University's football team, a coach for the South Korea national football team and manager of Gyeongnam FC.

During his four years as manager of Gyeongnam FC, the team reached the playoffs three times.

"I feel a great sense of responsibility to take on the role of manager of Gimhae FC," Seol said. "I believe the most important thing in football is to deliver results on the pitch."

He added, "I will communicate actively with the players, improve the team's cohesion and competitiveness, and do my best in every match so that we can give our fans good performances and results. I will take responsibility and do my utmost to help Gimhae FC grow into a club that makes its citizens and fans proud."

Gimhae FC currently sits 17th, at the bottom of K League 2, with three wins, eight draws and 17 losses.

It is seven points behind 16th-place Jeonnam Dragons, who have five wins, nine draws and 14 losses, with four matches remaining.

Gimhae City plans to use Seol's appointment to improve the squad's competitiveness, strengthen the stability of the team's operations and lay the foundation for the club's sustainable development over the medium to long term.

Mayor Jeong Yeongdu said, "With his extensive playing experience and experience coaching professional teams, Seol is the right person to lead Gimhae FC's next leap forward. We will help the manager and players unite to improve their performance and grow into a club trusted by citizens and fans."

Seol's tenure begins on November 1.

He will make his first appearance before fans at the home match against Cheonan City FC in Gimhae that day, and will officially take charge of the squad starting with the home match against Hwaseong FC on November 7.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.