KU News

2024 Korea-Yonsei Games End in a Friendly Draw After Fierce Competi-tion

The 2024 Annual Korea-Yonsei Games (Ko-Yon Games), held over two days on the 27th (Fri) and 28th (Sat) of September, ended in a 2-2 tie. This result brings the all-time series record for both schools to 20 wins, 11 draws, and 20 losses, highlighting the intense rivalry between them.

The Ko-Yon Games is an annual sports event that reaffirms the complementary tra-ditions and strong friendship between Bosung College (Korea University's prede-cessor), founded on the basis of the noble spirit of "national salvation through edu-cation" during the Japanese colonial period, and Yonhi College (Yonsei University's predecessor), established on the basis of the values of "truth and freedom." The games began in 1927 with a soccer match between Bosung College  and Yonhi Col-lege, and have been held regularly since 1965.

The opening ceremony was held at 10:30 AM on Friday, 27 September at Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Kim Dong-One, President of Korea University, began his opening address by expressing his condolences to the family of the late Kim Jae-wan, a rug-by player who passed away during training last month. He continued, "I hope the Ko-Yon athletes will demonstrate their honed skills and play without regrets. With the spirit of the eagle soaring through the sky and the tiger roaring with power, let this year’s Ko-Yon Games become an unforgettable legend for all."

Following this, Yonsei University President Yoon Dong-Sup also expressed his con-dolences to the family of the late Kim Jae-wan and said, "Yonsei University and Ko-rea University have been each other's strongest competitors throughout our long history, but at the same time we are companions who share the deepest friendship and a joint team that is leading the future of Korea together. I pay tribute to your passion and effort, and I hope The Games will become a great asset in your lives."

Next, the student council presidents of both universities delivered congratulatory addresses. Ham Hyung-jin, President of the Yonsei University Student Council, said "I hope the Games will rekindle the passionate spirit of both schools. The cul-ture of the Ko-Yon Games, which we have built together, is a strength that sustains our community." Kim Seo-young, President of the Korea University Student Coun-cil, said, "The Games hold great significance, and it is even more joyful to continue this tradition and engage in friendly competition. As Korea University declares its ambition to go global in celebration of its 120th anniversary, we promise to do this together. Let us deeply engrave in our hearts this friendship with our companion school, Yonsei University, and cheer and support the 2024 Ko-Yon Games togeth-er."

 

[Baseball] A Completely Different Ball Game: Korea University Wins 3-0 After 7 Years!

Korea University demonstrated its strength by achieving a 3-0 shutout victory against Yonsei University at Jamsil Baseball Stadium on Friday, 27 September, after seven years of effort.

The baseball match, the first of the Ko-Yon Games, began at 11:30 AM with the cer-emonial first pitch by Korea University President Kim Dong-One. Korea University got off to a good start in the top of the first inning with starting pitcher Jeong Won-jin (‘23, Physical Education) pitching a perfect inning. In the bottom of the first, Ko-rea University's Yoo Jeong-taek (‘22, Physical Education) got on base with a walk, and An Jae-yeon's (‘22, Physical Education) surprise bunt allowed the runner on first to steal second.

Next, while Jin Hyun-je (‘24, Physical Education) was at bat, Yoo Jeong-taek stole third. When Yonsei's starting pitcher Kang Min-gu (‘23, Physical Education) threw the ball, Jin Hyun-je hit a fly ball to the outfield, allowing Yoo Jeong-taek to score and give Korea University a 1-0 lead. The Korea University cheering section erupt-ed, with its signature victory song Baet-norae. Following this, Cha Seong-yun (‘21, Physical Education) was hit by a pitch from Kang to be allowed to reach first base. Korea University did not miss this opportunity. Park Geon-woo (‘21, Physical Edu-cation) hit an RBI (run-batted-in) single, adding another run to the scoreboard. The inning ended with Korea University leading 2-0.

In the bottom of the second, Korea University’s Oh Dong-woon (‘21, Physical Edu-cation) hit a single to left-center field and then successfully stole second base. However, Yoo Jeong-taek was out, preventing Korea University from scoring. In the top of the third, Korea University made an error, allowing Yonsei to reach base. However, Korea University's subsequent good defense prevented Yonsei from capi-talizing on the opportunity. In the bottom of the fifth, with Korea University in dire need of additional runs, Jo Gyu-taek (‘21, Physical Education) hit a home run, boosting the team's momentum. The Korea University cheering section erupted once again. Yonsei tried to change the momentum by bringing in Yoon Sung-hwan (‘22, Physical Education 22) to the mound, but Korea University had already se-cured a 3-point lead.

In the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings, Korea University continued to shine with good pitching from Jeong Won-jin (‘23, Physical Education) and outstanding defense from the infield and outfield. Korea University did not allow Yonsei any scoring op-portunities and finished the game with a perfect 3-0 victory. The cheering section was filled with the sounds of victory songs, and the crowd cheered exultantly.

[Ice Hockey] Korea University Dominates on the Ice with a 4-3 Victory

 

In the ice hockey match held at Mok-dong Ice Rink at 2:00 PM on Friday, 27 Sep-tember, Korea University displayed flawless performance in offense, defense and teamwork, defeating Yonsei University 4-3. From the beginning of the game, both teams fiercely competed through intense physical contact and puck battles. At 4 minutes and 15 seconds, Korea University's Choi Sung-soon (‘23, Physical Educa-tion) scored the first goal off a pass from Kwon Min-jae (‘21, Physical Education). Yonsei counterattacked with a goal from Shin Dong-hyun (‘21, Physical Education) at 14 minutes and 58 seconds, the first period ending tied at 1-1. During the game, Korea University faced a shorthanded situation due to a penalty incurred by Jang Hee-gon (‘21, Physical Education), but they calmly defended and prevented any goals with the help of goalie Song Eun-seok (‘21, Physical Education). While the ice was being resurfaced after a series of intense physical battles, the cheering squads from both universities filled the stadium with enthusiastic cheers, further height-ening the atmosphere.

In the second period, Korea University skillfully dominated the game. Kwon Min-jae scored at 4 minutes and 38 seconds, giving Korea University the lead once again. Yang Tae-gyu (‘24, Physical Education), returning from the penalty box, re-ceived a pass from Lee Joon-seo (‘22, Physical Education) and scored another goal at 14 minutes and 14 seconds, bringing the score to 3-1. Korea University faced sev-eral shorthanded situations due to consecutive penalties incurred by Choi Won-hyeong (‘24, Physical Education), Kim Mu-sung (‘22, Physical Education) and Yang Tae-gyu, but Song Eun-seok and the defense successfully blocked Yonsei's attacks and prevented any goals. Korea University maintained its lead with unwavering de-fense and finished the second period strong.

At the beginning of the third period, Yonsei's Lee Seung-jae (‘22) and Moon Geon-oh (‘22) scored consecutive goals, tying the game at 3-3 and instantly shifting the momentum. However, Korea University quickly regained the lead with Kwon Hyun-soo (‘22, Physical Education) scoring the winning goal at 4 minutes and 44 seconds. Yonsei intensified their attacks and pressured Korea University, but Korea Univer-sity's solid defense did not allow any further goals. With 33 seconds left on the clock, Yonsei launched an all-out attack with even their goalie joining the offense, but Song Eun-seok blocked the final shot, securing the victory for Korea University. As the game ended, the Korea University players celebrated their victory by throw-ing their helmets and hockey sticks in the air, and the ice rink was filled with cheers from the crowd and victory songs from the cheering squad.

[Basketball] A Narrow Defeat: Korea University Loses 54-57

Korea University attempted to secure a victory in the basketball match held at Goyang Indoor Gymnasium at 5:00 PM on Friday the 27th, but unfortunately lost 54-57.

From the beginning of the game, it was close. A fierce scoring battle was maintained throughout the first quarter, which ended in a 15-15 tie because of a clean 2-point shot by Korea University's Seok Jun-hwi (‘24,Physical Education). Both teams were in a precarious situation, having reached the team foul limit.

The second quarter started with a brilliant 3-point shot by Korea University's Moon Yoo-hyun (‘23, Physical Education). However, consecutive 3-point shots from Yon-sei University began to widen the score gap. At the end of the second quarter, Seok Jun-hwi capitalized on the opponent's attack, scoring in a no-mark fast break situa-tion. Korea University fiercely chased Yonsei University, who were leading by a score of 29-36, but couldn't overcome Yonsei's offense, ending the first half with the score at 29-39.

The third quarter began with a 3-point shot by Korea University's Kim Tae-hun (‘21, Physical Education), signaling a counterattack. However, Korea University's shoot-ing slump continued, and the score gap remained. Furthermore, Seok Jun-hwi, who had been active throughout the game, was substituted due to an injury. The third quarter ended with the score at 40-47.

The game became even more intense in the fourth quarter. Lee Dong-geun (‘23, Physical Education) of Korea University started a counterattack by making two 3-point shots, followed by scores from Yang Jun (‘21, Physical Education) and Seok Jun-hwi, bringing the score to 50-51. Moon Yoo-hyun then succeeded in a reverse shot, exciting the audience. However, the atmosphere subsided when Kim Bo-bae (‘22, Physical Education) of Yonsei University made a dunk. Moon Yoo-hyun had a final chance to shoot a 3-pointer, but it was unsuccessful, leading to Korea Univer-sity's unfortunate defeat.

[Soccer] Korea University's 1-2 Defeat, Yet the Tigers' Spirit Shone

Korea University scored a dramatic extra-time equalizer in the soccer match that concluded the Annual Go-Yon Games at Goyang Stadium on Saturday, 28 Septem-ber, but unfortunately suffered a comeback defeat when Yonsei scored even further into extra time. Korea University and Yonsei University finished the first day of the Games with a score of 2:1, but with the final soccer match, the 2024 Korea-Yonsei Games ended in a draw.

The game was heated from the start, with both teams playing dynamically, showing a strong will to win. In the 7th minute of the first half, Yonsei University’s Jin Eui-jun (‘22) broke through Korea University's defense and attempted an aggressive shot, but it missed the goal. However, from the ensuing corner kick, Lee Seung-min (‘23) headed the ball into the net, bringing Yonsei the first goal. Korea University quickly counterattacked. In the 33rd minute, Korea University’s Kim Ki-hyun shot the ball into the net, but it was ruled offside by the referee. The Korea University cheering section expressed their disappointment but quickly resumed cheering for the players.

In the second half, which started at 3:00 PM, both teams continued their fierce at-tacks and determined defense. In the 15th minute of the second half, Kim Ki-hyun received a pass from Kim Chae-woong and quickly shot, but the goalkeeper blocked it, narrowly averting a goal. Another scoring opportunity came for Korea University in the 28th minute. Lee Ji-ho quickly penetrated Yonsei's defense and took a shot, but it was blocked by the Yonsei goalkeeper once again. Korea University substitut-ed players to try and turn the tide in the second half. However, neither team man-aged to score in normal time.

However, the game took a dramatic turn in extra time. In the 48th minute of the second half, Yoo Kyung-min, who had scored two goals in the previous Ko-Yon Games, scored the equalizer. With a sharp shot, Korea University took the chance to turn the game around. Unfortunately, in the 53rd minute, Choi Ji-woong of Yonsei University scored a header, securing the win. Despite the loss in this soccer match, the Korea University players received applause from both cheering sections for their fighting spirit and perseverance until the very end.