“We Represent Asia” – Ulsan HD FC Rejects Club World Cup Scepticism

As Ulsan HD prepare to step onto the global stage for their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, manager Pangon Kim has delivered a defiant message in the face of growing scepticism.

Speaking at the official pre-match press conference held at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Kim addressed the perception that his side are the weakest team in the tournament – a narrative fuelled by media power rankings and prediction models. DAZN ranked Ulsan bottom of all 32 participating clubs, while The Athletic placed them 31st, just ahead of Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes.

But Kim, unshaken by outside noise, responded with poise and quiet confidence.

“Rankings are for outsiders,” he said. “What matters is how we perform. We respect the opinions, but we are calm. We accept them, but we do not carry them into the match.”

Ulsan are set to face South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns – a team widely viewed as continental powerhouses – in their Group F opener. For Kim, however, this match is about more than just progressing through the group.

“We represent the K League and all of Asia,” he stressed. “It’s not just about the result – it’s about showing our competitiveness on this stage. That’s what our players understand, and that’s what we’ve prepared for.”

Experience Over Ratings

Despite the underdog tag, Kim believes his squad’s experience could prove a key differentiator.

“Some of our players have played in three World Cups, in multiple Club World Cups, and even in the Premier League. Our captain, Kim Young-gwon, has done all three. That’s not something many teams here can say.”

Indeed, this is Ulsan’s third appearance at the Club World Cup, following 2012 and 2020. Yet this year feels different. With the tournament expanded to 32 teams for the first time – modelled after the FIFA World Cup – the stakes and spotlight have grown exponentially.

“This tournament is about the present, but it’s also about the future,” Kim said. “We don’t know when a K League team will be back. So this is a chance to show not just who we are, but where Korean football is heading.”

Tactical Discipline, Not Just Defence

Facing a fast and well-organised Sundowns side, Kim acknowledged the need for strong defensive organisation – but was adamant his side would not simply sit back.

“We’ve prepared a strategy that allows us to contain them defensively while still being aggressive. The first 20 minutes will be key. We’ll observe, respond, and strike.”

Cho Hyun-woo: “We’ve Always Believed We’re Strong”

Standing alongside Kim was goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo, one of the most experienced players in the squad and the only remaining member of Ulsan’s 2020 Club World Cup team.

A veteran of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, Cho was recently highlighted by The Athletic as one of the top 50 players to watch in the tournament – the only Ulsan player to make the list.

Smiling, he downplayed the attention.

“There are many great players in Ulsan – not just me. We’re prepared to fight together.”

When asked about Ulsan being labelled the weakest team, Cho didn’t flinch.

“I’ve never thought about those things. We’ve always believed we are strong. And we’re ready to prove that on the pitch.”

One Match, One Mission

As the only K League representative in the tournament – and the only Korean club in this newly formatted global showdown – the weight of expectation is real. But so is the belief within the squad.

After completing their final training session in Charlotte, North Carolina, Ulsan travelled to Orlando, settling into their temporary base with calm professionalism. On Tuesday morning (KST), they’ll face Mamelodi Sundowns under the Florida sun.

“The humidity is higher here than Charlotte, but we were prepared,” Kim said. “The conditions are the same for both sides. Now it’s just about playing our football.”

From defensive stability to attacking intent, from humility to ambition, Kim’s message is clear: Ulsan are not here to make up the numbers.

“We’ll make sure that the K League is represented with pride. I trust our players to give everything – not just for Ulsan, but for Korean football as a whole.”

If Ulsan can defy the odds, it won’t be through external validation – but through the belief that’s been quietly building within their camp.