News: Kim Sang-sik steps down as manager of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

Kim Sang-sik has resigned as manager of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, according to a statement from the club on Thursday morning.
image via Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors press release

The announcement also stated that Kim had expressed his intention to resign for personal reasons and the club accepted it.

Kim Sang-sik first joined Jeonbuk as a player in 2009, winning two league titles with the club before becoming a coach and then the manager of the first time in 2021. 

While in the dugout at Jeonju Castle, Kim won the 2021 K League title and the 2022 FA Cup.

Jeonbuk say the club aims to announce who will take over as the team's next full time manager as soon as possible to "minimize the turbulence" felt by the players. Kim Sang-sik's assistant Kim Do-heon will be placed in temporary charge in the mean time.

Kim Sang-sik's overall record as manager of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors reads won 60, drawn 31, lost 20 from 109 matches for a win percentage of 55. In the league, Kim earned 46 wins from 86 games in charge.

Heading into the Children's Day clash with FC Seoul, Jeonbuk sit 10th in K League 1 following back-to-back home defeats - first to Daejeon Hana Citizen and then to Gangwon FC.

The Green Warriors have picked up three wins from 10, one draw, and have suffered six losses.

Such form had prompted the club's supporters to stage mass protests and even block the team bus from leaving the stadium after certain matches.

Kim Sang-sik managerial record (2021-2023)

2021 K League title
2022 FA Cup

K League: 86 matches, 46 wins, 21 draws, 19 losses

ACL: 17 matches, 10 wins, 6 draws, 1 loss

FA Cup: 6 matches, 4 wins, 2 draws