Rivalry matches are ubiquitous across all sports. Rivalry matches, the symbol of professional sports, have a great influence on the popularity of the event. Korea also boasts its fair share of rivalry matches, offering an intriguing entry point into Korean sports. Below, the Dankook Herald introduces some of these captivating rivalry matches for an engaging sports experience.

   Rivalry match of K-League: Hyundai Derby

▲ Players are competing in the Hyundai Derby. (Photo from the Ulsan HD)

   The Hyundai Derby is a rivalry match between Ulsan HD FC and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. It is called the Hyundai Derby because the groups that support Ulsan HD and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors are Hyundai Motor and HD Hyundai, the biggest companies in the Hyundai family. The history of the Hyundai Derby is long, but it has not been fiercely fought until now. However, since the late 2010s, the two teams have risen to the top of the K League, igniting the fever of the Hyundai Derby.

   Ulsan HD is aiming for its third consecutive K-League title this season, following its second consecutive win last season. As other teams have smoothly strengthened their capacities, Ulsan HD needs to thoroughly prepare for the championship. Meanwhile, last season, Jeonbuk Hyundai suffered the disgrace of being uncrowned for the first time in 10 years. Consequently, the team aggressively reinforced its capacities. With Jeonbuk Hyundai also emerging as a championship contender, the heat of the Hyundai Derby this season is expected to intensify amid the competition for the championship.

   Rivalry match of KBO: Jamsil Series

▲ The LG Twins player is predicting victory in the Jamsil Series. (Photo from the LG Twins)

   The Jamsil Series is a match between the LG Twins and Doosan Bears, both based in Seoul. Rivalry matches between teams from the same hometown are common in other leagues as well, such as the Freeway Series between LA Dodgers and LA Angels. This match always garners tremendous interest. Recently, tensions between the two teams escalated further after Shohei Ohtani’s transfer from the LA Angels to LA Dodgers. The Jamsil Series holds a significant feature as it is not only based in the same city but also takes place in the same stadium (Jamsil Stadium). Therefore, it is common for fans of both teams to argue over who truly owns Jamsil, with fans of other teams sometimes joining in the debate. Consequently, the Jamsil Series is a rivalry match that commands the highest level of attention. KBO also expends considerable effort to schedule the match between the two teams to be held on May 5, Children’s Day.

   For quite some time, Doosan held the upper hand in head-to-head records. However, while Doosan’s performance has shown a gradual decline lately, LG has been steadily strengthening its power and demonstrating an upward trend. As a result, LG has been dominant in the Jamsil Series records throughout the 2020s. The strength of LG is still formidable, so let’s see if LG can secure victory once again this year.

   Rivalry match of KBL: S-Derby

▲ The S-Derby is taking place fiercely. (Photo from the Seoul Samsung Thunders)

   The S-Derby is a match between the Seoul Samsung Thunders and the Seoul SK Knights. The name ‘S-Derby’ is derived from the first letter of Seoul and each team’s sponsor (Samsung, SK). Unlike other rivalry matches, the S-Derby is played in a spirit of friendly competition rather than hostility. Coincidentally, the two teams are seldom in their prime simultaneously. There are numerous cases where one team excels while the other struggles or both teams underperform simultaneously.

   This season exhibits similar trends. The Seoul SK Knights currently hold fourth place this season, having finished as runner-up last season. Depending on the outcomes of the remaining games, they could climb to third place. Conversely, the Seoul Samsung Thunders are positioned at the bottom this season, mirroring their standing from last season. If they fail to improve their ranking in the remaining games, they will conclude the season at the bottom for the third consecutive season.

   Rivalry match of V-League: V-Classic Match

▲ The Cheonan Hyundai Capital Skywalkers is attempting an attack in the V-Classic Match. (Photo from the Cheonan Hyundai Capital Skywalkers)

   The V-Classic Match is a heated rivalry between two professional volleyball teams in South Korea: the Cheonan Hyundai Capital Skywalkers and the Daejeon Samsung Bluefangs. Although the "V-Classic Match" moniker is relatively new, the two teams have a long history of competition and intense rivalry, fueled by their close geographical proximity (Daejeon and Cheonan are neighboring cities). The rivalry's status was solidified as the two teams faced each other in the championship finals a record 13 times. Despite their fierce battles on the court, the players maintain a relatively friendly relationship off the court, akin to the camaraderie seen in the Merseyside Derby of the English Premier League. However, the rivalry remains very much alive among fans, both online and offline. In recent years, both teams have faced challenges in maintaining their previous success. Samsung has missed out on playoff qualifications for five consecutive seasons from 2018-19. Hyundai Capital, on the other hand, has lost its former stability and now fluctuates between the upper and lower ranks of the league. This season, both teams find themselves in the lower half of the standings, enduring a difficult season.

   Rival matches are not just about competition; they are about emotions simmering over, fans roaring like thunder, and plays that leave you speechless. If you are new to Korean sports, this is your chance to witness firsthand the unique energy that makes them so captivating.

박현규, Dinh Phuong Thao, 박지윤  dankookherald@gmail.com