[News Terms] EPTS, Why Did Hwang Hee-chan Wear This?

Wearable Devices Collecting Players' Performance Data
Used in K League and Youth Soccer... Also Released for General Public Use

On the morning of the 3rd (Korean time), the Group H third match between South Korea and Portugal in the 2022 Qatar World Cup was held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Hwang Hee-chan, wearing EPTS, scored the go-ahead goal and is celebrating with Son Heung-min.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyunjung] Hwang Hee-chan (26, Wolverhampton), who scored the comeback winning goal in the third match of Group H against Portugal in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, ran to the stands after scoring and took off his shirt to celebrate. However, after taking off his uniform, Hwang Hee-chan was seen wearing a black vest that only reached below his chest.

This garment has become a hot topic online. Netizens wondered, "Why did Hwang Hee-chan wear underwear of that shape?" and "Son Heung-min also wore it, please explain." Singer Park Jaebum claimed on SNS that he was the originator of this fashion, and broadcaster Yoo Byungjae cosplayed Hwang Hee-chan’s celebration, causing laughter.

This garment is a wearable device called the Electronic Performance-Tracking System (EPTS). It is small and light, about 18cm in height and weighing approximately 53g, attached to a vest to collect data in real time. Inside it are sensors including a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver and sensors that measure rotational movements. It measures and analyzes various data such as the distance players run during the game, top speed, number and sections of sprints, and coverage area (heat map). All players on the national team wear this wearable device.

The coaching staff use this data to devise tactics and manage players. EPTS collects game data such as shooting and passing success rates to improve performance. Through this, it analyzes players’ strengths and weaknesses and helps formulate strategies on which position and how to use each player. It can also prevent injuries caused by fatigue in advance and protect players from heart abnormalities.

EPTS gained attention after the German national team, which won the 2014 Brazil World Cup, reportedly used it effectively. Leicester City, which won the 2015-16 English Premier League, also revealed that they used this device, leading to wider adoption. As many players and clubs began using EPTS, FIFA officially approved its use starting from the 2018 Russia World Cup.

The Korea Professional Football League also allowed the use of EPTS equipment in the K League from 2018. It is also used in youth leagues such as under-18 (U-18) and under-15 (U-15). For youth players, it is even more meaningful as it can be used not only for performance evaluation but also as an indicator for establishing development plans.

EPTS was a costly burden for amateur athletes who enjoy soccer as a hobby. However, recently, versions accessible to the general public have been released, making it easy for anyone to use. Data collected through EPTS, such as top speed and sprint information, can be checked directly on one’s mobile phone.