Why Hwang Hee-chan Faced Liverpool Despite a 100% Relegation Prediction: 5 Signs of Professionalism in Wolverhampton's Last Stand
Wolverhampton, sentenced to '100% relegation probability' by Opta, saw Hwang Hee-chan (30) return from a calf injury to lead back-to-back strong performances against Aston Villa (2-0) and Arsenal (2-2). Although relegation is virtually confirmed mathematically, Hwang's return and the team's fight are giving Korean fans a paradoxical sense of inspiration.
Opta puts relegation odds at 100%, yet Hwang Hee-chan still plays. When numbers don't tell the whole story, sport becomes drama.
TL;DR
- Wolverhampton sit bottom of the Premier League with 2 wins from 29 games (18 points); Opta's relegation probability: 100%
- Hwang Hee-chan suffered a calf injury against Chelsea on February 8 → returned after roughly 3 weeks on February 28, helping inspire a 2-0 win over Aston Villa
- After the comeback, he helped earn a 2-2 draw against Arsenal, then lined up against Liverpool on March 2 (local time)
- With relegation virtually sealed, Hwang's transfer future and World Cup spot with the national team are simultaneously at risk
- Even so, Hwang's return has become a textbook example of 'professional spirit', igniting Korean fans on social media
1. The Facts: How Desperate Is It?
Wolverhampton Wanderers' 2025-26 season is etching its name into EPL history for all the wrong reasons. Since the opening of the season, the club set the ignominious record of 17 consecutive winless games (as of December 2025), and sit on just 2 wins and 18 points from 29 matches.
Statistics firm Opta has officially calculated Wolverhampton's relegation probability at 100%. Betting companies have already suspended offering odds or reduced them to the bare minimum. Mathematically, survival is no longer a realistic possibility this season.
2. Hwang Hee-chan: A Cycle of Injury and Return
Hwang Hee-chan (30) is battling what is already his 11th injury absence of the season — a shocking statistic. He injured his calf in the Chelsea match on February 8 and missed around three weeks. When the injury was announced, some Wolverhampton fans bombarded social media with critical messages, drawing outrage from Korean supporters.
But Hwang didn't give up. He returned for the Aston Villa match on February 28, the team won 2-0, and local media reported: "Hwang Hee-chan helps Wolves avoid all-time lowest points humiliation." He then helped the team earn a 2-2 draw against Arsenal, injecting fresh energy into the side.
3. Why Korean Social Media Is on Fire Right Now
The spread of Hwang's comeback on Korean social media isn't simply about results.
① The paradox of fighting in the worst circumstances — Giving everything for a team already 100% confirmed for relegation has come to symbolise 'professional spirit'.
② Cross-trend with the WBC — With Korea's national baseball team approaching the WBC at the same time, their fighting spirit overlaps with Hwang's, and Korean sports fans are inspired on both fronts simultaneously.
③ Transfer market rumours — Reports of a potential permanent move to PSV Eindhoven emerged in the January window. As Hwang's summer destination draws attention, his current performances translate directly into his market value.
④ Anxiety over the 2026 North American World Cup — Repeated injuries have meant more than 179 days of absence, and concerns about his chances of joining the national squad are driving up search volumes on social media.
4. Context: Wolverhampton's Structural Problems
Wolverhampton's collapse is not a problem with Hwang Hee-chan as an individual. Years of underinvestment in the squad, repeated managerial changes (this season under Rob Edwards), and the attacking void left by key striker Larsen's departure have all compounded.
The fact that most of the team's attacking output came through Hwang when he was fit makes the disconnect between individual performance and team results especially stark.
5. Outlook: Where Does Hwang Go Next?
| Scenario | Details | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (Wolves in the Championship) | Loyalty/contract respect, join rebuilding project | Low |
| Move to PSV | January pursuit revived, remain in European football | Medium |
| Return to Korea (K League) | Strong fan sentiment but his own wishes unclear | Low |
| Transfer to EPL/top European league | Possible reassessment if he returns to full fitness | Medium |
The form Hwang shows in the remaining matches will be the key to the summer transfer window. The Liverpool match on March 2 (local time) was the first real litmus test.
Checklist: What Hwang Hee-chan Fans Should Check Now
Reference Links
- Hwang Hee-chan calf injury official announcement — Chosun Ilbo (2026.02.11)
- Wolverhampton 2-0 Villa, Hwang Hee-chan returns — Nate Sports (2026.02.28)
- Opta: Wolves relegation probability 100% — Sky Sports
- Hwang Hee-chan return confirmed, starts vs Liverpool — The Liverpool Offside
- EPL all-time worst winless record — Money Today (2025.12.21)
Image Credit
- Molineux Stadium — Wikimedia Commons (geograph.org.uk), CC BY-SA 2.0