Jeju United’s Kim Seung-seop replicates Promotion Heroics with 55-Second Goal, Secures K-League 1 Retention
JEJU, SOUTH KOREA – December 7, 2025 – Kim Seung-seop, forward for Jeju United, delivered a stunning 55-second goal against Suwon FC today at Jeju World Cup Stadium, effectively securing his team’s place in the K-League 1 for the 2026 season. The decisive strike mirrored a pivotal goal he scored for Gimcheon sangmu in 2022, which propelled that team to promotion.
“I have a lot of experience as a promotion/demotion PO,” Kim Seung-seop said with a smile after the match. “Against Gimcheon,I scored the last goal and set the game on fire,and it’s amazing that it unintentionally became the winning goal again.”
The victory caps a successful season for Kim Seung-seop, who registered 9 goals and 3 assists in 39 Professional Football League competitions while playing for both Gimcheon Sangmu and Jeju United.He was a nominee for the Best 11 award, receiving significant support from fellow players, though ultimately did not win.
When asked about his contribution to Jeju’s retention, Kim Seung-seop jokingly estimated his impact at “about 50%,” adding, “I think every soccer player should decide that.”
Kim Seung-seop reflected on his time serving in the military with gimcheon Sangmu, stating, “The season is really long. In fact, there was still a season left after I was discharged, so it wasn’t easy to adapt. I think concentrating solely on soccer while serving in the military was an opportunity for me to grow. I worked out a lot.” He also expressed gratitude to Gimcheon coach Jeong Jeong-yong, acknowledging the tactical development he experienced. “Before,I only played at speed,but in Gimcheon,we play a lot of build-up soccer. Positioning is critically important, and Coach Jeong explained a lot to help me play in the free roll.”
Despite personal satisfaction with his performance,Kim Seung-seop emphasized the need for continued improvement. “Personally,I am satisfied with the season,” he said,”but I think we need to work harder next year,not just for personal satisfaction.”
Known to fans as ’Hanbat Son Heung-min’ and ‘Seogwipo Son Heung-min’ due to his playing style, Kim Seung-seop cited Son Heung-min as his role model. “My goal this year was to be a member of the national team.Although I was not selected,I want to improve further and achieve my dream of becoming a member of the national team. I am satisfied with the nickname my fans gave me. I am grateful that I can continue this.”
While playfully considering a return to military service if it allowed him to focus solely on soccer, Kim Seung-seop added with a laugh, “I don’t think I can do military service.”
