"Let's Grow Hair for Life"... Fan Sentiment Turns 180 Degrees for 'Geukjanggol' Jo Gyuseong

Klinsmannho, Dramatic Advancement to Asian Cup Quarterfinals
Positive Comments Continue on Jo Gyuseong's Performance

Jo Gyu-seong (Meatwillan), who had been receiving a barrage of malicious comments due to poor performance and appearances on variety shows, saved the Klinsmann team from the brink of defeat with a dramatic header goal. As a result, positive comments toward him are continuing on social media (SNS).

The South Korean national football team, led by coach J?rgen Klinsmann, drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia after 120 minutes including extra time in the round of 16 of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on the 31st. They then won 4-2 in the penalty shootout, thanks to goalkeeper Jo Hyun-woo’s (Ulsan) outstanding saves, securing a ticket to the quarterfinals.

The player who received the most attention that day was Jo Gyu-seong. After conceding a goal to Abdullah Radif in the first minute of the second half, the Klinsmann team was in a bleak situation with no equalizing goal until just before the end of the second half. However, at over 8 minutes into the 10 minutes of added time, Jo Gyu-seong connected a header pass from Seol Young-woo (Ulsan) into a header shot, pushing the match into extra time.

On the 30th (local time), at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, the Round of 16 match of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup between South Korea and Saudi Arabia took place. Cho Gyu-seong is celebrating after scoring a dramatic equalizer just before the end of the match.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

After the match, Jo Gyu-seong said in an interview with the broadcasting station, "There were more chances, but I feel more regret because I couldn’t convert them all." He added, "When (Lee) Kang-in crossed earlier, I thought 'Now it’s done,' but it hit the post, so I thought 'One more will come next time.' When (Seol) Young-woo gave me the ball, I think I thought 'Now it’s a goal.'"

Previously, Jo Gyu-seong started as a striker in all three group stage matches but received harsh criticism from fans due to poor performance, including missing easy scoring opportunities. Especially during this tournament, the airing of the TV variety show 'I Live Alone,' which Jo Gyu-seong had recorded in the past, intensified the criticism. Even his long hairstyle became a target of criticism. Some netizens said, "Isn’t he more interested in grooming his appearance than exercising?"

[Image source=Jo Gyuseong Instagram]

As criticism continued, 'Captain' Son Heung-min (Tottenham) said, "Please don’t shake the players and protect them." After the match against Malaysia, he told reporters, "I wanted to say before the tournament that I hope people don’t shake the players and protect them. But I didn’t have a chance to talk with the press until now, so I’m asking now."

He continued, "Many fans make somewhat excessive remarks online and on SNS, and it’s painful to watch from the side. Every player has family, friends, and teammates. It hurts to hear such things. They are human before being football players."

Fortunately, public opinion turned around thanks to Jo Gyu-seong’s performance in this match. Netizens responded with comments such as "As expected, Jo Gyu-seong, I believed in you," "Don’t cut your hair. Grow it for life," and "It must have been very hard, but thank you for overcoming it and scoring. Always cheering for you."

Korea will compete against Australia for a spot in the semifinals at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah at 0:30 on the 3rd of next month.