Yoon Jong-hwan departs Gangwon FC, Jeong Kyung-ho appointed manager | OneFootball

Gangwon FC have announced the appointment of Jeong Kyung-ho as its new head coach, replacing Yoon Jong-hwan.

The Bears and Yoon Jong-hwan were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract and the departure of Yoon, who guided Gangwon FC to second in 2024 and AFC Champions League Elite qualification, was announced by the club on Friday 6th December.

Kim Byung-ji, Gangwon CEO, said: "Yoon Jung-hwan created the best era in Gangwon FC's history. I believe he is fully entitled to make such demands."

But on why negotiations stalled, Kim said: "There was a significant gap between the amount Coach Yoon requested and what Gangwon had in mind."

"Coach Yoon demanded the highest salary in the K League. Gangwon offered a figure higher than that of coaches who led city and provincial teams to the AFC Champions League (ACL), but it was difficult to narrow the differences due to the limited budget."

On the same day, Gangwon FC named Jeong Kyung-ho as the team's new leader, entrusting him with this critical role. Having served as assistant manager this year, Jeong contributed to the team achieving its best-ever result, finishing as runners-up. Now, he embarks on a new challenge as head coach.

Jeong expressed his thoughts on his appointment:

“Gangwon FC is my hometown team and holds great significance for me. It’s an honour to take on this role. I am deeply grateful to CEO Kim Byung-ji for entrusting me with this responsibility. Together with the players, I will prepare thoroughly to ensure we don’t cause worry for our fans. I will do my best to bring joy to our supporters in the 2025 season and repay their support with excellent football on the pitch.”

Jeong Kyung-ho shares a special connection with Gangwon. A native of Samcheok, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, he graduated from Jumunjin Middle School and Gangneung Sanggo High School (now Gangneung Jeil High School). Notably, the football teams of Jumunjin Middle School and Gangneung Jeil High School now operate as Gangwon FC’s U-15 and U-18 teams.

Jeong began his playing career at Ulsan Hyundai (now Ulsan HD) and later played for Gwangju Sangmu and Jeonbuk Hyundai before joining Gangwon FC in 2009 as one of its founding members. He served as Gangwon FC’s second captain in 2010 and was a key player for the team, amassing 238 K-League appearances, 30 goals, and 14 assists. On the international stage, he earned 41 caps and scored six goals for the national team.

Following his retirement as a player, Jeong transitioned to coaching, with stints at Ulsan University, Seongnam FC, and Sangju Sangmu (now Gimcheon Sangmu) before joining Gangwon as assistant manager last year. Recognised for his tactical expertise, Jeong has become one of the K League's most respected strategists. Returning to Gangwon after 12 years, Jeong is now set to make his debut as head coach for his hometown team.

Meanwhile, Gangwon FC, having finalized the appointment of its new head coach, will depart for Antalya, Turkey, next month for an intensive training camp as they gear up for the 2025 season.