Official West Ham United Supporters’ Club Korean Hammers recently held their inaugural ‘Claret and Blue night’ in Seoul, South Korea, as they look to grow their membership, connect further with local communities in the country and strengthen the network among current members.
Fourteen people attended the event, that was supported by West Ham’s official sponsors EVA Air and Heineken, with attendees engaging in conversations and participating in games and discussions.
Having had their affiliation with the Club confirmed in 2024, the Korean Hammers currently boast 55 active members, and are always looking to boost their ranks and keep spreading the Claret and Blue word.
Here, founder and chairperson Kim Dong Hyeon tells us all about the group…
Can you talk us through the origins of the Korean Hammers?
I first became a Hammer in 2018, after discovering Academy of Football graduate Declan Rice. As I learned more about the Club’s rich history and character, I became an even more devoted fan, which then motivated me to create an Official Supporters’ Club to share my love for West Ham with others.
After I discovered the existence of the Official Supporters’ Clubs, I had some conversations with the Club, and we were officially formed in August 2024.
How has membership of the group grown?
There are currently 55 active members of the Korean Hammers, and each supporter has their own unique reason for supporting the Club. Following the UEFA Europa Conference League win in 2023, we’ve seen a surge of new fans, and the excitement has grown ever since.
Have any of the members been to a West Ham match, or visited London Stadium?
Several of our members have already been to London Stadium, and this season alone, four or five Korean Hammers have visited. I myself had the privilege of attending three home games during the latter part of last season, that all ended in victory for us, which was brilliant!
Do you meet up as a group often?
Our members are spread across Korea, so meeting up frequently is a challenge. We stay connected through a dedicated community group, where we all share our passion for the team.
Being able to share emotions and cheer for the same team with others nearby is a unique and fantastic experience, especially for overseas fans who can’t regularly visit the stadium.
Have you had any messages from West Ham players?
We received a video message from Vladimír Coufal, Dinos Mavropanos and our captain, Jarrod Bowen, at Christmas.
When the video was shared with the supporters, everyone was thrilled, and it was a moment that highlighted the unique bond between the players and their fans.
Can you tell us about the Claret and Blue night at the end of December?
It was our most significant event of the year. We held it at a football pub in Seoul, where we had all gathered to watch the Conference League final, and 14 members attended. It served as an opportunity to meet and get to know people, play games and engage in a prize draw, and it was great fun.
We always aim to recreate the incredible London Stadium atmosphere wherever we are!
What are the group’s plans for 2025?
Moving forward, we hope to organise similar gatherings and watch games regularly. Additionally, as we head towards the end of the season, we hope to see even more supporters join us and share their enthusiasm.
