After four rounds of fierce competition in the group stage of the 2022 AFC Asian Cup East Asia Region, all four teams representing South Korean soccer failed to come out on top in the group stage, a phenomenon that has sparked concern and worry among the South Korean media, who have described South Korean teams as facing unprecedented challenges.
According to the article's analysis, the Korean teams in this year's AFC Champions League include Jeonbuk Hyundai, Ulsan Hyundai, Daegu FC, and Jeonnam Dragons. However, after four rounds of play, none of these teams were able to take the top spot in the group.
As last season's K-League champions, Jeonbuk Hyundai's 1-1 draw against Vietnam's Hoang Anh Gia Lai on the 25th resulted in the team dropping from group leaders to second and a frustratingly low number of effective shots on goal throughout the match.
Similarly, K-League leaders Ulsan Hyundai, despite being undefeated in the league, only finished third in the group stage, slightly above Chinese side Guangzhou. But that result meant nothing to Ulsan, as the Chinese club seemed to have lost interest in the AFC Champions League, sending only a second team to the tournament, and even with two wins Ulsan still failed to move up in the rankings.
Things aren't looking good for Daegu FC either, as they are currently second in Group F, but are in a similarly bleak situation after suffering a 0-3 defeat against the Lions earlier in the day.
