The 2023 Annual Ko-Yon Games were a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie that has defined the historic college “rivalry,” as it showcased the unbreakable bond between the players and their supporters, and the undeniable spirit of perseverance. For the November issue of The Granite Tower (GT), the Photography Department reporters captured how Korea University (KU) players pushed on through thick and thin, clinching a come-from-behind victory. Read on to relive the thrilling moments with us!
Son Jiho
The Ko-Yon Games got off to a challenging start for KU with two consecutive losses in baseball and ice hockey. While these initial setbacks made for a tough beginning, the players exhibited a remarkable display of enthusiasm and sportsmanship, infusing the matches with intensity and school spirit. These first two games, despite their outcomes, stirred emotions and deepened the love for their alma mater among KU students. Nevertheless, KU demonstrated unwavering perseverance and school pride, staging a remarkable turnaround by dominating Yonsei University (YU) in the next three games. This dramatic shift in fortunes has injected an unprecedented level of intensity and intrigue into this year’s Ko-Yon Games, leaving KU students who had worked diligently to gain admission to the university thoroughly satisfied.
Dang Tran Minh Son
Immersed in the electric atmosphere of the basketball and rugby match between KU and YU, I witnessed a raw display of emotions from the athletes. When the whistle blew, the tension between the two basketball teams was utmost heightened, their focus paid fully to every move from their counterpart. Each grasp of the ball was taken with care, mixing with both control and ambition. Each goal felt like a heartstopper that played with both the players and the audience’s minds. Though KU won both games, it was the rugby team that impressed me the most. We cannot ignore the contrast in expressions between a successfully executed play and a missed opportunity. When they scored, their faces lit up with a joy that was so pure and unrestrained, while errors and fouls drew waves of frustration and disappointment. What a nice break from university life!
Jung Haine
The Ko-Yon Games is a highly anticipated event each year for KU and YU students alike. In this photo essay, I wanted to capture how focused and engaged both KU and YU players are while competing against each other. In each sports game, whilst being competitive, players all still exhibit impressive sportsmanship and professionalism. As someone who has never played in competitive team sports, this was an especially intriguing spectacle. Each team is up against each other fighting to take dominance over the ball, their eyes solely focused on the ball, the movements of fellow players, running and moving wherever they deem apt. Competitive sports require so much strength, focus, and stamina from their players, and it was impressive to witness it firsthand through the Ko-Yon Games.
