Korea University Claims Overall Victory in the Annual Ko-Yon Games Once Again—Undefeated for Five Years Straight

- An overall record of four wins and one tie in the past five years marks a first for either university since 2000

The Anam Tigers roared in triumph once again this year. Korea University (President Kim Dong-One) claimed overall victory in the 2026 Ko-Yon Games, held from October 2 to 3, 2026, with a record of three wins and two losses. With this result, Korea University extended its unbeaten streak to five years, recording four wins and one tie over its five most recent annual competitions. It also widened its lead over Yonsei University in the all-time overall standings, bringing its record to 22 wins, 11 ties, and 20 losses.

The opening ceremony was held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 2, the first day of the games. Beneath a clear autumn sky, students and alumni from both universities filled the stands even before the games began, creating a spectacular sea of red and blue. Korea University supporters were particularly enthusiastic, filling their section earlier than their Yonsei counterparts and cheering fervently for their team.

△ (From left) Yonsei University President Yoon Dong-Sup and Korea University President Kim Dong-One

In his opening remarks, Korea University President Kim Dong-One said, “I hope that athletes from both universities who have devoted countless hours and effort to preparing for this competition will fully demonstrate their abilities and compete in matches they can look back on without regret, regardless of the outcome.” Yonsei University President Yoon Dong-Sup followed with words of encouragement, saying, “Throughout our long histories, Yonsei and Korea University have been each other’s most steadfast partners, driving one another’s growth through spirited competition.”

[Baseball] KU Wins 2–0 After Tense Pitching Duel as the First “Baennorae” Echoes Across Jamsil

KU defeated Yonsei 2–0 in the opening baseball game of the 2026 Ko-Yon Games, held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium on October 2, getting off to a strong start. The two teams remained locked in a scoreless tie through the fifth inning, thanks to outstanding performances by both starting pitchers. However, a solo home run by Han Gyu-hyeok (’24, Physical Education) in the bottom of the sixth inning shifted the momentum.

As Han’s hit sailed over the outfield fence, the first rendition of “Baennorae,” Korea University’s traditional victory song, rang out from the stands packed with cheering KU supporters. In the bottom of the seventh, KU extended its lead to 2–0 after Lee Yeon-woo (’26, Physical Education) got a hit, Kim Jae-ik (’24, Physical Education) laid down a sacrifice bunt, and Lee Jung-jin (’25, Physical Education) delivered a timely hit.

On the mound, starting pitcher Jung Won-jin (’23, Physical Education) delivered a stellar seven-inning performance without allowing a run. Hong Ju-hwan (’24, Physical Education) subsequently held off Yonsei’s attempts to rally, securing KU’s third consecutive victory in baseball at the annual games.

[Basketball] KU Takes Control Late in the Second Quarter to Secure a Convincing 69–53 Win

In the basketball game held at Jamsil Students’ Gymnasium later the same day, KU defeated Yonsei 69–53. After ending the first quarter tied at 10–10, KU briefly ceded the momentum to Yonsei early in the second quarter. Following a timeout, however, KU mounted a comeback led by Yang Jong-yun (’25, Physical Education) and Lee Do-yun (’24, Physical Education). A series of consecutive baskets put KU ahead, allowing the team to end the first half with a 32–22 lead.

In the second half, KU’s solid defense and long-range shooting proved decisive. Following a perimeter shot by Sim Joo-eon (’24, Physical Education), Seok Jun-hwi (’24, Physical Education) and Lee Dong-geun (’23, Physical Education) scored in succession, extending the lead to 54–34 by the end of the third quarter. By staying focused on rebounding and winning contested possessions, KU held its lead through the fourth quarter to secure a commanding 69–53 victory.

KU basketball team coach Joo Hee-jung commented, “In preparing for this year’s Ko-Yon Games, our top priority was managing the players’ injuries. Building on our second consecutive victory in the annual games, we aim to lay a solid foundation for continuing this winning streak next year and the year after.”

[Ice Hockey] KU Falls to a Narrow 1–2 Defeat Despite Scoring the Opener Within a Minute

KU fell to a narrow 1–2 loss to Yonsei in the ice hockey match that brought the first day of the annual Ko-Yon Games to a close. Just over a minute into the game, Kim Da-sol (’26, Physical Education) broke through the opposing defense to score the opening goal. However, Yonsei equalized and subsequently took the lead midway through the first period. In the second period, KU’s defense, including Lee Woo-kyung (’25, Physical Education), held firm under pressure without conceding another goal.

In the final third period, KU intensified its attack in an effort to equalize. Late in the game, the team made a final push by employing an empty-net strategy, pulling its goaltender in favor of an additional skater. However, KU ultimately failed to score again, and the game ended in a 1–2 defeat.

[Rugby] Dramatic Comeback from 0–8 Secures 35–11 Win and Overall Championship

In the rugby match held at Mokdong Stadium on October 3, the second day of the games, KU defeated Yonsei 35–11 to secure the overall championship, regardless of the outcome of the final soccer match.

KU faced an early setback, conceding a penalty kick in the ninth minute and a try in the 20th minute of the first half to fall behind 0–8. However, in the 31st minute, a maul led by Kim Won-ju (’23, Physical Education) pushed deep into Yonsei’s in-goal area, resulting in KU’s first try. Lee Chan-hee (’24, Physical Education) successfully converted the try, narrowing the gap to a single point at 7–8.

The momentum of the match shifted completely in the second half. A try by Gong Dong-min (’24, Physical Education), followed by a successful conversion kick from Lee Chan-hee, gave KU a 14–8 lead. After Yonsei narrowed the gap with a penalty kick, Kim Hyun-jin (’25, Physical Education) broke through the opposing defense to score a try and successfully convert it, extending KU’s lead once again. Subsequently, Jeon Su-hyeong (’25, Physical Education) and Bae Han-o (’26, Physical Education) scored two more tries in succession, bringing the match to its final score of 35–11.

Rugby team captain Kim Won-ju commented, “I did not feel particularly nervous because the senior players and younger teammates performed so well, and I felt that victory was inevitable. The enthusiastic support from our fellow students played a major role in helping us secure our fourth consecutive victory in rugby at the annual games.”

[Soccer] KU Faces a 1–2 Comeback Defeat with Just 90 Seconds Remaining, as Red Cheers Continue to the Final Whistle

Despite making threatening runs down the flanks and launching counterattacks, KU narrowly lost 1–2 to Yonsei in the concluding soccer match. KU took the initiative with an aggressive attacking approach from the early stages of the first half. In the 26th minute, Park Kang-hyun (’26, Physical Education) received a long pass from Park Chan-i (’23, Physical Education), broke through along the left flank, and unleashed a sharp shot to score the opening goal. KU then successfully held off Yonsei’s attacks and ended the first half with a 1–0 lead.

KU continued its fast-paced attacks early in the second half in search of an additional goal, but Yonsei’s goalkeeper made several crucial saves. Yonsei eventually equalized in the 19th minute of the second half. In the 31st minute, KU was reduced to ten men following an injury to Jo Ye-seong (’23, Physical Education). Despite being a man down, KU fought on until the end, but conceded a late go-ahead goal with approximately 90 seconds remaining, ultimately finishing the match with a final score of 1–2 in Yonsei’s favor.

The two days of competition brought more than victories and defeats for KU. When students attending the annual Ko-Yon Games were asked what the event meant to them, their answers included “excitement,” “school pride,” and “one of life’s greatest joys.” One student recalled, “Even when assignments became overwhelming and studying was difficult, thinking about the Ko-Yon Games helped me get through university life.” Another described the event as “a place where I can express my passion to the fullest.”

For alumni, the Ko-Yon Games represented a reunion with their youth, memories, and passion. Alumni who returned to their alma mater with their young children in tow soon found themselves linking arms with those around them and singing along to KU’s cheer songs, including “Baennorae.” From students cheering until their voices grew hoarse to alumni singing the anthems of their younger days, the generations may differ, but their passion for KU remains unchanged.

The festive atmosphere of the Ko-Yon Games continued along Chamsari-gil in Anam-dong. Students roamed the streets playing gichanori, an after-party tradition in which participants link arms or hold one another by their shoulders to form long, train-like lines, while alumni showed their enduring affection for the younger generation by renting restaurants to offer free food and drinks. The two-day annual games came to a close as a festival that transcended the outcomes on the field, bringing together generations and strengthening the bond between the two universities.