Box Office Hit: Now on the Ground “It’s our time again.”

K League, the Korean professional soccer league, has recorded “box-office” hits day after day. Last week, for example, it drew 138,000 fans to stadiums. The games were also exciting. The World Cup stars along with high-quality “mercenaries” have significantly contributed to the trend.

There are also some players that should not be counted out. They are called “forerunners” since they are the first generation of players who, from a couple of years ago, attracted an army of female fans to pro games. Even though they did not play in the World Cup, their fame has not died out. These forerunners play as brightly as the World Cup stars.

Lee Dong-Kuk (23, Pohang Steelers) whose nickname is Lion King, recorded his first goal in the 13th home game against Pusan Icons. Merely 2 minutes after the kickoff, he shot a goal with his head. He said he is planning to a most scorer of this season.

This day, Lee showed swift, accurate moves in the box, pushing aside the harsh criticism that he moves like a snail. After he failed to secure his spot on the World Cup team in May, he indeed lost control for some time. He felt more shocked since he had played in the ’98 World Cup. Soon, however, he regained control and stuck only to hard training, as he himself admitted “I did only practicing.” He concentrated on building up speed and heading skills. The first goal he recorded on the 13th was the result of his sweats.

Kim Eun-Joong (23, Daejon Citizens) did not sit on his hands. His team was taking on Sungnam Ilhwa in their home. Kim broke Lee’s previous day’s record of quickest goal after kickoff for this season. Just one minutes and 16 seconds after kickoff, Kim intercepted Sungnam defender’s pass to his goalkeeper, and shot the ball into the goal posts with the right foot.

Other than Kim, Citizens have not other star players so far. But no longer. Lee Kwan-Woo (24), a handsome mid-fielder, is reportedly ready for taking off for sortie. Along with Kim, Lee has the widest pool of female fans in Daejon. But, due to the knee injury he had sustained early this year in the training in China, he had to sit on bench for five months. Recently, he has resumed training and, on the 15th, finished up his treatment by removing the nail pegged on his knee. Possibly late in this month, or early August, he is expected to play in games. His participation will speed up Lee’s march for more goals.

Koh Jong-Soo (24), a star player of Suwon Samsung, is waiting for his day on the ground. He has fully recovered from his knee injury and is busy building up his physical fitness. One Suwon official remarked, “Fans may be able to see him on the ground as early as 21st. He is in good condition.”

Sung-Won Joo swon@donga.com