UNIST achieved a strong second-place finish at the 2025 STadium Competition, held at GIST on November 8, 2025. Across basketball, soccer, badminton, baseball, and e-sports, UNIST athletes demonstrated exceptional skills and sportsmanship in competition with Korea’s leading S&T specialized universities.
The annual STadium brings together six major science and technology universities—UNIST, KAIST, GIST, DGIST, POSTECH, and KENTECH—for a multi-sport and cultural exchange. Students compete through their respective clubs, strengthening inter-university ties while showcasing their talents. This year, UNIST delivered strong performances across multiple events, earning an overall second place.
This year, UNIST secured key wins in e-sports and men’s doubles badminton, both of which contributed significantly to its overall ranking. The athletes’ dedication—backed by enthusiastic support from fellow students—played a key role in this achievement.
E-sports Victory Leads the Way
UNIST captured the first place in the e-sports competition, providing essential points toward the university’s overall standing. l Image Credit: Studio INGAM
Badminton Team Triumphs in Men’s Doubles
JaeHyun Nam, a member of the UNIST e-sports team, shared, “Winning on our third try feels incredible and I am grateful to my teammates for their hard work.” DongHo Seo added, “We felt short last year, so I was determined to step up this year to carry the team. After ten years of playing League of Legends, this win means a lot.” Both highlighted the importance of coordinated practice and team strategy.
The UNIST Badminton Club ‘MACH’ claimed the men’s doubles title, with HyunSeo Hwang and JiHwan Lee delivering a standout performance. l Image Credit: Studio INGAM
Strong Showings Across Other Sports
HyunSeo Hwang, a member from UNIST Badminton Club noted, “The cheers from the crowd gave me the strength to push through difficult points.” JiHwan Lee added, “This is my second time competing in STadium. I had some regrets about my performance as a freshman, and since this is likely my last year, I was determined to win and I am glad our teamwork paid off.” Club President HwaSeok Cho added that the players’ commitment, supported by the strong cheering section, made the victory possible.
Despite a close defeat, UNIST Basketball Club ‘UNIS’ displayed remarkable teamwork and determination. l Image Credit: Studio INGAM
SangYoon Lee, a member from UNIST Basketball Club noted, “I usually contribute through shooting, but things didn’t go my way today.” Teammate JiWon Lee added, “We realized that gaining more real-game experience is crucial, and that’s something we will focus on for next year.”
UNIST Soccer Club ‘Earthcops’ fell just short in a penalty shootout. l Image Credit: Studio INGAM
“We gave everything until the last minute,” said JungJae Lee from UNIST Soccer Club. “Next year, we will work on focus and game management.” He also thanked all players and supporters for their dedication.
UNIST Baseball Club ‘UNIST Rocket’ put up a fierce fight, showcasing their potential for growth. | Image Credit: Studio INGAM
Although UNIST Rocket was defeated, a mix of freshmen and experienced players showed potential for growth. Club President JunYong Park commented, “The result wasn’t what we hoped for, but the younger players showed great potential. We are looking forward to building on this next year.”
UNIST cheer squads and performance teams brought high energy to every match, rallying athletes throughout the competition. | Photo: Studio INGAM
Student Support and Team Spirit
A major factor in UNIST’s strong performance was the passionate support from student supporters. Cheer squads and performance clubs brought energy to every match, uplifting athletes and bringing the UNIST community together.
HwanKyo Jung, Director of External Affairs for the UNIST Undergraduate Student Council, said, “We hope all 211 students who joined us had a memorable experience. We are grateful to the athletes, performance teams, and staff who worked tirelessly to make this event possible. This year, the close collaboration between the UNIST Student Council and the UNIST Club Union made the 2025 STadium even more meaningful.”
Looking Ahead
UNIST’s overall second-place finish represents more than athletic achievement—it reflects teamwork, resilience, and the strong community spirit shared by students and athletes alike. Beyond the results, the shared experiences and growth gained through STadium remain the most valuable outcomes. UNIST now looks ahead to next year’s competition, aiming for even stronger performances across all events.
