Mishra Shreya, Zhang Yilong

Senior Editor, Editor Newsletter

The Fall semester was growing on the students. Then came the excitement for the much-anticipated games between the arch-rivals- Yonsei University and Korea University, serving to relieve the pressure off them, even if for a day or two! 

The Yon-Ko Games, an annual event hosted by the Yonsei and Korea University alternatively, are one of the most prestigious university games in Korea. They have a rich history dating back to 1927 when the two teams first faced off on a Soccer field. Over the years, the rivalry has expanded to include four additional sports: Basketball, Ice Hockey, Rugby, and Baseball. 

The games, officially named Yon-Ko Jeon for this edition since Korea University was the host this year, began on September 27th and ended dramatically in a draw the next day. In the Soccer match held at the Goyang Complex Stadium on September 28th, Yonsei University was initially leading by 1-0 when, in the 93rd minute of overtime, their counterparts scored a goal to level the scores. The blue half of the stands erupted in joy when Choi Jiwoong scored again in the 97th minute of overtime to give Yonsei a 2-1 victory. Besides Soccer, Yonsei starred in Basketball while the Korea University snatched victories in Baseball and Ice Hockey, leading to the first end draw since 2015. This year, the games did not feature Rugby, in commemoration of the tragic passing of a 19-year-old Korea University Rugby player during an off-season training session in Japan this past August. 

Before this, on 20th of September, the Yonsei University held a joint cheering event in the lead-up to this year's games. The event which saw a huge turnout despite the heavy rains was a testament to the dedication and spirits of the students involved.