FC Anyang’s midfielder and vice captain, Han Ka-ram, shares his experiences with K League United, reflecting on his transition back to life in Korea, his responsibilities as vice captain, and his perspective on what ‘zombie football’ embodies.
Returning to Korea after living abroad, especially in a culturally distinct environment, can often lead to reverse culture shock. However, Han Ka-ram found this transition manageable, primarily due to his connections within the Korean community in Germany.
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“While I was in Germany, I spent a lot of time with fellow Koreans. In my younger years, I lived in shared housing with other Koreans and experienced players, which made my adjustment back to Korea relatively smooth,” he explained. “Korea has a strong senior-junior hierarchy based on age, but my prior experience living with older Korean teammates helped me acclimate more easily than someone who has been completely cut off from Korean culture.”
Adjusting to the K League, however, was a different story.
“It was challenging. I believe that any young player, whether from Europe or elsewhere, needs time to adapt to the K League. It wasn’t just me—many players face this. I went from Korea to Germany and then back to Korea. Initially, I was criticized for playing the Korean way in Germany. Yet, upon my return, I faced scrutiny again for playing the German way,” he recounted.
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“This required time to adjust. In Germany, defenders are expected to engage aggressively and win the ball through contact, while many coaches in Korea prefer a different style. This disparity was one of the most significant differences I encountered.”
Now in his third season with FC Anyang, Han has stepped into a leadership role as vice captain, which he describes as an enlightening experience.
“In the beginning, I didn’t fully grasp the role. There are numerous players, coaches, and support staff within the club, and someone must focus on the finer details. I previously assumed everything would function smoothly on its own. But now I understand that our success in 2024, when we took the title, was a result of effective leadership,” he reflected.
“Providing support with the little things, holding teammates accountable when necessary, and striving to unite everyone has highlighted the effort involved in this role. It’s quite demanding and requires a great deal of thought. This has deepened my respect for our manager and our captain, Lee Chang-yong.”
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Currently, the Anyang Violets are in their second season in K League 1. With no automatic relegation this season, Han acknowledges that they are likely to stay in the top flight for at least another year.
So, does the reduced pressure of relegation alter their mindset? Han believes it’s not a focal point for the team.
“Certainly, there might be some psychological relief lingering in the back of the mind, but I don’t think it’s a significant factor. Each team has its own objectives. Our aim is to improve upon our eighth-place finish from last season. While there might be a sense of relief, I don’t think it dramatically changes our approach.”
Anyang’s survival in the top flight last year and their strong performances have been credited to manager Ryu Byeong-hoon’s “zombie football” philosophy. So, how do the players interpret this concept?
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“While the media refers to our style as ‘zombie football,’ it’s more abstract. From a footballing standpoint, I believe it reflects our tenacity. Opposing teams often comment on how solid and cohesive we are as a team, which reinforces that our strategies are effective,” Han explained.
“Last year, after our promotion to K League 1, we faced many challenges—losing streaks and extended winless periods. However, regardless of our setbacks, we consistently found a way to bounce back—much like zombies. I think this embodies coach Ryu Byeong-hoon’s philosophy.”
The unwavering support from FC Anyang’s passionate fanbase has also been instrumental in driving the team forward.
“Football, like all sports, serves the club’s objectives. Yet, a significant part of it is for the fans. It may sound like a bold statement, but I genuinely believe our fans are the strongest in the world—not in terms of noise or aggression, but in spirit,” said Han.
“With fans like these behind us, I firmly believe that FC Anyang’s potential far exceeds our current standing.”