[Photo provided by Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC]

On the day Jeonbuk Hyundai recorded their first-ever sold-out home game in the club's history, the hero at Jeonju World Cup Stadium was Lee Seung-woo. In the K League 1 17th round 'Hyundai Derby' held on May 31, Jeonbuk defeated Ulsan 3-1, achieving a thrilling come-from-behind victory. Lee Seung-woo, who came on as a substitute in the second half, orchestrated the turnaround goal with a fantastic overhead kick and played a central role in changing the course of the game by assisting Thiago's clinching goal just before the end of the match.

The match drew a crowd of 31,830 spectators, marking Jeonbuk's first sold-out home game since the club's establishment. Not only was it a record-breaking attendance figure, but the game itself, in terms of content and flow, was a classic 'Hyundai Derby,' representing the essence of the K League. With this victory, Jeonbuk climbed to the top of the league standings with 35 points (10 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses), having played two games less than Ulsan.

The atmosphere in the first half favored Ulsan. In the 10th minute, taking advantage of an unexpectedly cut-off pass in Jeonbuk's build-up, Ulsan scored the opening goal. Receiving a forward pass, Lee Chung-yong calmly slotted the ball into the net with his right foot inside the box. Hong Jeong-ho was late to cover, and Lee Chung-yong completed his second goal of the season.

Jeonbuk did not falter. Even after conceding the opening goal, they maintained their attacking tempo, increased possession, and finally responded in the 25th minute. Kang Sang-yoon's cross from the left deflected before Song Min-kyu, inside the box, calmly finished with his right foot to level the game. Goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo attempted to save but could not fully block it, and Song Min-kyu reacted to the rebound, calmly finding the back of the net.

The first half ended 1-1, with both teams cautiously maintaining balance without significant changes. However, the second half unfolded in a completely different manner. Midway through the second half, Jeonbuk substituted Kim Jin-kyu and Song Min-kyu for Lee Young-jae and Lee Seung-woo simultaneously. It was a decisive move to shake up the game. Lee Seung-woo, upon entering, roamed between the flanks and the center, leading in ball connections and pressing, revitalizing Jeonbuk's attacking tempo.

The crucial moment came in the 41st minute of the second half. Lee Seung-woo connected a corner kick ball with an overhead kick inside the box. This scene was not just a simple 'ball handling' but a symbolic play that changed the momentum of the entire game. Although Jo Hyeon-woo managed to block the ball, Park Jin-seob, who was storming in front of the goal, finished with a rebound shot, leading Jeonbuk to a 2-1 comeback. It was a moment of redemption for Park Jin-seob, who had provided the opening for the opponent's goal.

Jeonbuk did not stop there. In the seventh minute of stoppage time, after a break in the ball from Lachaba, Lee Seung-woo quickly gained possession and, instead of taking a shot from a position where he could, unselfishly passed to Thiago on the opposite side. Thiago neatly pushed the ball with his left foot into the net, completing Jeonbuk's 3-1 clinching goal. Lee Seung-woo, who came on as a substitute around the 75th minute, created two decisive goal-scoring opportunities in about 15 minutes, emerging as the 'hidden hero' of the match.

Lee Seung-woo's performance in this game holds more value than just scoring goals. In both the symbolic overhead kick scene and the chance concession for the clinching goal, he clearly conveyed the message of 'team over individual.' The scenes demonstrated by him, which showed a sense of changing the game flow and dedication, were the reasons why Coach Poh Yeol chose him as a substitution card, not just for his technical skills.

Ulsan attempted many changes in this game. They rotated nine starters, experimenting with new combinations, but they were eventually outplayed by Jeonbuk's organization and late-game focus. Despite having several additional scoring chances even after Lee Chung-yong's opening goal, they were thwarted by Jeonbuk's defense cover and goalkeeper Song Bum-keun's saves. In the last corner kick situation, Ulsan created an opportunity with Kim Young-bin's header, but Song Bum-keun leaped to block, concluding the game.

As the game ended, Jeonju World Cup Stadium turned into a festive atmosphere. Home fans chanted 'the return of the dynasty,' and players circled the ground, sharing the excitement with the spectators. Beyond just securing three points, Jeonbuk gained momentum in the race for the league title through this game. Above all, Lee Seung-woo maximized his presence in the short time given to him, firmly establishing himself as Jeonbuk's 'ace in the hole' for the second half of the season.

Through this game, Jeonbuk now faces a new challenge of being the frontrunner rather than the pursuer. At the center of this challenge lies Lee Seung-woo, who possesses skills, sensibility, and dedication. Lee Seung-woo, who clearly engraved his name in the top K League derby, will be eagerly awaited by the fans in the next game.