The Mad Green Boys (MGB) are the official supporters' group of South Korean football club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, one of the most successful teams in the K League. Established on November 1, 1999, MGB has played a pivotal role in fostering a passionate fan culture and influencing the club's identity and policies. They occupy the North Stand of the Jeonju World Cup Stadium.
It was selected as The Most Terrifying Supporters in 2016 by K Leaguers. [1]
The formation of the Mad Green Boys traces back to November 1, 1999, when a group of dedicated Jeonbuk fans sought to create an organized supporters' group. The name "Mad Green Boys" reflects their fervent passion ("mad") for the club's official color ("green"). This nomenclature was inspired by the "Bad Blue Boys," the supporters' group of Croatia's Dinamo Zagreb. The founding members aimed to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive cheering culture distinct from traditional spectator norms.
“Green” also plays an additional significance for the club and its fans. Jeonbuk asked fans to suggest colors for the club. Green was selected after favorable responses from the supporters, though the “neon green” uniforms have been seen as an eye sore around the league. Regardless, the name “green” is an important part of both the team and MGB, and the term “green” is often used in the supporters chants.
MGB's inaugural official activity occurred on March 28, 1998, when seven members traveled to Mokdong to support Jeonbuk in an away match against Bucheon SK. This marked the beginning of their active presence in both home and away games, characterized by coordinated chants, banners, and unwavering support.
In a victorious 2011 AFC Champions League match versus J.League side Cerezo Osaka, an MGB member came under fire for holding up a sign 'congratulating' Japan on the 2011 earthquake in the east of the country. The supporter later apologized online for his actions. [2]
In 2017, Jeonbuk made the decision to shift its primary colors from green to blue and white to align with Hyundai Motors' corporate identity. MGB vehemently opposed this change, organizing protests and engaging in discussions with club officials. [3] Their efforts culminated in the restoration of green as the official team color, reinforcing the club's unique identity. Although there is no official record of jersey sales, the protest of the primarily blue uniforms from the MGB led to a shift to a dark green in 2018.
In March 2023, MGB publicly called for the resignation of then-manager Kim Sang-sik following a series of unsatisfactory performances. [4]
As of 2025, the club officially recognized 22 supporters clubs. [5]
The mission of the Mad Green Boys centers on creating a dynamic and participatory atmosphere at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors' matches. They strive to:
Foster Unity: Encourage camaraderie among fans, promoting a sense of community and collective identity.
Enhance Matchday Experience: Lead organized chants, displays, and activities that energize both the team and the supporters.
Preserve Club Traditions: Advocate for the maintenance and celebration of the club's history, colors, and symbols.
Influence Club Policies: Engage in constructive dialogue with club management to represent the interests and concerns of the fanbase.
Strengthening Regional Identity: MGB has consistently advocated for a robust connection between the club and its home, North Jeolla Province. Their initiatives have prompted the club to implement policies that emphasize local engagement, ensuring that Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors remains deeply rooted in its community.