Weekend Listing May 3-4

And before we go further, a Korean footballer that’s flying below radar in Russia just scored for FK Rostov: Yoo Byung-Soo scored in the 85th minute in a 2-3 loss to Dinamo Moscow.  More on that later, first we go to Korean Footballers Abroad for the Koreans plying (not a typo) in Europe this weekend:

All times in US EST / Broadcasts lists US TV & streaming available

• Ki Sung-Yeung is out, trying to recover from tendonitis. According to the Korea Herald, Ki’s father told the media that Ki has asked the club if he could leave the club early to seek medical treatment in Korea in time for a recovery before the start of the World Cup. He will not be eligible when Sunderland plays Swansea on the last day of the season due to EPL loan rules. 
• If Sunderland does grant Ki early leave, he would join Park Chu-Young and Park Joo-Ho who are recovering / training under the guidance of Hong Myong-Bo and the KNT.
• Speak of which, last week, Park Chu-Young gave a press conference trying to answer critics that he is getting preferential treatment by the KNT. He essentially told the gathered media that he can only let his action on the pitch speak for itself: “I’ve come here to try to help the national team, and more than any words, I think it’s important to work hard in practices and games and become a reliable player,” Park said. “As a football player, I think letting football do the talking is the best course of action for me. I wouldn’t even be here if the national team didn’t want me around.” Park added that Watford and Arsenal did not object to his early departure from Europe to recover and train in Korea. Meanwhile various Korean media sources disclosed that Park donated 100 million won (US$96,300) to support victim’s families of the Sewol ferry sinking via the Korean Red Cross. Park relayed his frustration with the media over his efforts to keep the donation giving private. Interestingly, while the Korean media relationship with Park historically has been an icy one, Park was asked why he agreed to do the press briefing: “I felt I needed to talk about my health at some point. People have also advised me that I should be more flexible in dealing with the media.” 
• New rumor: according to the Augsburger-Allgemeine, Borussia Dortmund may be loaning Ji to Augsburg next season.  If true, in the minus column: Ji not playing with BVB and under Jurgen Klopp. In the plus: Ji would get regular playing time at Augsburg.
• Park Ji-Sung announced he will hold a charity match in Korea in around mid-July to benefit victim’s families from the Sewol sinking. The JS foundation is negotiating for a venue and for available participants. Park will be in Korea in May along with his current club PSV Eindhoven for post season exhibition matches, first against Suwon Bluewings May 22, then Gyeongnam FC on May 24th.
• Want to see that Yoo Byung-Soo goal?  Fast forward to 3:11 and take a look. I don’t know, but does that look like a cross attempt that somehow bounced into the net?  Well, a goal is a goal…
• Lastly: Tavern Writers Assemble!!!  (simulate earth shattering noise and lighting bolts, followed by dust and coughing). Yes, that can only mean another Tavern Hangout on May 9 at 6pm US EST / May 10 at 7am in Korea, with Jae Chee in Tavern Studio Busan, Jinseok Yang in Tavern Studio Connecticut, Tim Lee in Tavern Studio Quebec and yours truly in the metaphorical Tavern somewhere in the (still) net neutral internet. That or central Maryland. Topic: Hong Myong-Bo will announce the World Cup roster. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise…or will it?  We’ll post another announcement about this Hangout again soon -with links and all. What game or games will you watch this weekend?