Gwangju FC and head coach Lee Jeong-hyo have mutually agreed to part ways, the club announced on December 21st, bringing an end to a successful four-year partnership. The decision follows a request from Coach Lee to terminate his contract early.
A Fond Farewell: Lee Jeong-hyo Departs Gwangju FC
The respected coach leaves behind a legacy of stability and tactical innovation at the K-League 1 club.
- Coach Lee Jeong-hyo requested an early termination of his contract on December 12th.
- During his tenure, Gwangju FC remained in K-League 1 for three consecutive seasons.
- The club will immediately begin searching for a new manager who understands its unique financial structure.
- Gwangju plans to maintain a system-oriented team focused on youth development and financial stability.
Coach Lee formally requested the contract termination on December 12th, citing a desire to pursue new challenges and contribute to the broader advancement of Korean soccer. Following a legal review and internal discussions, the club honored his request, officially announcing the separation on December 21st.
Since joining Gwangju FC in 2022, Lee guided the team to three consecutive seasons in the top-flight K-League 1. Beyond maintaining their position, he led the club to a notable runner-up finish in the Korea Cup and a quarterfinal appearance in the ACLE. The club acknowledged his significant contribution to establishing a dynamic tactical approach and enhancing the team’s overall competitiveness.
“I achieved my team building and tactical goals at Gwangju FC,” Coach Lee stated. “This decision was not made because of money or conditions, but because of my dream of helping Korean soccer take a step forward on a higher stage.” He also expressed his gratitude to club owner Kang Ki-jeong and other team officials.
Searching for a Successor
Gwangju FC has initiated the process of identifying a new manager. The club’s stated policy is to appoint a leader who possesses a deep understanding of the financial realities and unique characteristics of a civic club, while also being capable of sustaining or building upon the existing aggressive and progressive soccer philosophy.
The search will encompass both domestic and international candidates, culminating in a final selection based on a report to the club owner and subsequent negotiations.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Gwangju FC intends to maintain a stable team framework. Contract renewals with key players are largely complete, and the club plans to leverage the transfer market alongside the gradual integration of young and emerging talent into the first team. A commitment to financial prudence and a system-oriented approach will remain central to their strategy.
“We will use this change as an opportunity to take a new leap forward and further strengthen our sustainable competitiveness as a civic club,” a club official commented.
▲ The following is the full text of director Lee Jeong-hyo’s final message.
The four years I spent at Gwangju FC were the most intense, hottest, and above all the most humane times of my life.
The choice of the club to trust me and entrust me with the position of coach, even though I had nothing to prove as a leader, was the starting point of my soccer career.
Without that choice, I wouldn’t exist where I am today. Gwangju FC was not just a team, but a place that taught me how to trust people, how to stick to principles, and how to persevere.
There were times when the team was shaken, and there were moments when I had no choice but to speak bitterly. All of those words were not complaints, but were sincere out of a sense of responsibility for wanting this club to become stronger.
Team owner Kang Ki-jeong, who understood my sincerity and always responded with full trust and support. And I would like to express my sincere gratitude to CEO Dong-il and the team’s front office members. I was able to grow as a coach and as a person at Gwangju FC.
What is more valuable than the results is the fact that this team has proven to itself how far it can go. Gwangju FC did not lose trust and confidence in me until the end and wanted to go with me with the best treatment.
But now I’m choosing a new challenge.
This decision is not because Gwangju FC is a citizen club and does not have money or because of any conditions. It is because of my dream of helping Korean soccer take a step forward by competing and proving myself on a wider stage.
This farewell is even more heavy because I know that this choice will leave Gwangju FC ahead of the most difficult season next year, so it may leave someone with even greater regret.
Nevertheless, Gwangju FC has already become a team that can stand on its own, and I believe that with a more solid transformation, they will definitely advance to greater heights in the future. Above all, I will never forget for the rest of my life the fans who filled the stadium regardless of whether it was raining or snowing, and how they cried and endured together without turning their backs even in moments of defeat.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the front desk staff who silently supported me behind the scenes so that I could coach the players well.
Because of you, Gwangju soccer was able to go beyond the results and become a story. Although I am leaving Gwangju FC, the belief in soccer and people I learned in Gwangju will be with me in all my future choices.
Thank you. I will be forever grateful for being the manager of Gwangju FC sincerely and proudly.
My dream is Jeonghyo Lee.
