In November 2001, Daejeon Citizen achieved a remarkable feat by winning the FA Cup, marking a significant milestone for the club. Despite struggling at the bottom of the K League table throughout the season, Daejeon defied expectations and secured the trophy with a narrow 1-0 victory over Pohang Steelers, thanks to a crucial goal from Kim Eun-jung.
This victory was particularly notable as Daejeon became the first team to lift a trophy at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, a fact that could easily become a trivia question for football enthusiasts. Winning the FA Cup also granted Daejeon a spot in the AFC Champions League, a significant achievement at the time when such qualifications were not as straightforward as they are today.
Reflecting on that historic moment, Kim Eun-jung, a revered figure in Daejeon’s history, admitted, “Actually, I didn’t know that we had qualified for the Champions League. I think the joy of winning the trophy was even greater because it was Daejeon’s first-ever trophy since the club was founded.”
The journey to the AFC Champions League group stage was fraught with challenges. Kim described the away trip to India during the second round of qualification as “physically exhausting.” The group stage, held in Thailand, saw Daejeon competing against formidable opponents including Kashima Antlers from Japan and Shanghai Shenhua from China. Daejeon finished second in their group with two wins and one loss, narrowly missing out on advancing to the knockout stage.
Despite the disappointment of not progressing further, Kim Eun-jung made his mark in the Champions League by scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Shanghai Shenhua. However, his reflections reveal a sense of regret that the team could not advance despite their strong performance. “It was disappointing that we finished second in the group with two wins and one defeat and didn’t advance to the knockout stage,” he stated.
Kim’s humility shines through as he emphasizes the collective effort of the team rather than his individual achievements. He noted the financial struggles the club faced at the time, yet highlighted the unity and passion that bound the players and fans together. “The atmosphere within the squad was like a family. We all came together, supported one another, and gave our best in every match,” he recalled.
Daejeon Citizen, established just four years prior to their FA Cup victory, had a rocky start in the K League, often finishing near the bottom of the standings. This context makes their triumph in the FA Cup even more remarkable. Kim, who was just 22 at the time of the victory, described it as a “truly precious gift,” being both the club's first trophy and his first professional accolade.
Looking ahead, Kim expressed optimism for the current Daejeon team, which is set to compete in the AFC Champions League Elite in the 2026-2027 season. Despite their underwhelming league performance, he believes the squad possesses the talent to succeed in the continental competition. “Daejeon aren’t performing quite as well as expected in the league at the moment, but they have a good squad, so I think they can put in good performances and achieve good results in the Champions League,” he remarked.
As Daejeon prepares to face five J.League teams in their upcoming campaign, including Kyoto Sanga and Vissel Kobe, Kim acknowledged the advancements in Japanese football but maintained faith in the K League's growth. “I think K League teams have also improved considerably and are certainly capable of competing with them,” he stated.
For the current Daejeon players, Kim emphasized the importance of preparation for international matches, which he noted are more physically demanding than domestic games. He advised them to adapt to various factors such as weather and local conditions when playing away. “Ultimately, if they prepare thoroughly, I think they can achieve good results in every match,” he concluded.
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