Community hub
0 subscribers7 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to K League.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
K League
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| Organising body | Korea Football Association (1983–1986) K League Federation (1987–1988) Korea Football Association (1989–1994) K League Federation (1994–present) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1983 |
| Country | South Korea |
| Confederation | AFC |
| Divisions | K League 1 K League 2 |
| Number of clubs | 26 |
| Level on pyramid | 1–2 |
| Domestic cup | Korean FA Cup |
| International cup(s) | AFC Champions League Elite AFC Champions League Two |
| Current champions | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2025) |
| Most championships | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (10 titles) |
| Broadcaster(s) | JTBC Golf&Sports Sky Sports (South Korea) IB SPORTS |
| Website | www |
| Current: 2025 K League 1 2025 K League 2 | |
K League (Korean: K리그) is South Korea's professional football league. It includes the first division K League 1 and the second division K League 2.[1][2] Clubs competing in the K League have won a record total of twelve AFC Champions League titles, the top continental competition for Asian clubs.[3]
History
[edit]Until the 1970s, South Korean football operated two major football leagues, the National Semi-professional Football League and the National University Football League, but these were not professional leagues in which footballers could focus on only football. In 1979, however, the Korea Football Association (KFA)'s president Choi Soon-young planned to found a professional football league,[4] and made South Korea's first professional football club Hallelujah FC the next year.[5] After the South Korean professional baseball league KBO League was founded in 1982, the KFA was aware of crisis about the popularity of football.[6] In 1983, it urgently made the Korean Super League with two professional clubs (Hallelujah FC, Yukong Elephants) and three semi-professional clubs (POSCO Dolphins, Daewoo Royals, Kookmin Bank) to professionalize South Korean football. Then, the Super League accomplished its purpose after existing clubs were also converted into professional clubs (POSCO Atoms, Daewoo Royals) and new professional clubs joined the league. In the early years, it also showed a promotion system by giving qualifications to the Semi-professional League winners. (Hanil Bank in 1984, Sangmu FC in 1985)
However, the number of spectators was consistently decreased despite KFA's effort, and so the professional league, renamed as the Korean Professional Football League, operated home and away system to interest fans since 1987.[7] On 30 July 1994, the Professional League Committee under KFA was independent of the association, and renamed as the "Korean Professional Football Federation". In 1996, South Korean government and the Football Federation introduced a decentralization policy to proliferate the popularity of football nationally in preparation for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which they wanted to host. Several clubs located in the capital Seoul moved to other cities according to the new policy, but this was abolished after only three years and is regarded as a failed policy because it gave up the most populous city in South Korea. In 1998, the league was renamed again as current K League.[8]
It had the current format by abolishing the K League Championship and the Korean League Cup after the 2011 season, and being split into two divisions in 2013. The first division's name was the K League Classic, and the second division's name was the K League Challenge at the time. The fact that both the first and the second divisions had very similar names caused some degree of confusion and controversy.[9] Beginning with the 2018 season, both divisions were renamed the K League 1 and the K League 2 respectively.
In February 2021, an OTT service for international markets called K League TV was officially launched.[10]
Structure
[edit]Below K League 1 is the second-tier K League 2, and both form the K League as professional championships. Under them, there are two semi-professional leagues (K3 League and K4 League) and three amateur leagues (K5, K6 and K7 Leagues). At present, promotion and relegation exists within each of the three levels (professional, semi-professional, and amateur) but clubs from K3 and below cannot be promoted to the K League. However, the KFA has announced plans to combine the three promotion-relegation systems into one from 2027.[11]
Since 2021, K League 1 and K League 2 teams have been permitted to field their reserve teams in the K4 League.[12]
Clubs
[edit]Current clubs
[edit]K League 1
[edit]
![Gangwon FC (Chuncheon)[a]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Blue_pog.svg/20px-Blue_pog.svg.png){kind=small}
K League 2
[edit]All-time clubs
[edit]As of 2025, there have been a total of 37 member clubs in the history of the K League – those clubs are listed below with their current names (where applicable):
- K League's principle of official statistics is that final club succeeds to predecessor club's history and records.
- Clubs in italics no longer exist.
| No. | Club | Owner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | POSCO Dolphins (1983–1984) POSCO Atoms (1985–1994) Pohang Atoms (1995–1996) Pohang Steelers (1997–present) |
POSCO |
| 2 | Hallelujah FC (1983–1985) | Shindongah Group |
| 3 | Yukong Elephants (1983–1995) Bucheon Yukong (1996–1997) Bucheon SK (1997–2005) Jeju United (2006–2024) Jeju SK (2025–present) |
SK Energy |
| 4 | Daewoo Royals (1983–1995) Busan Daewoo Royals (1996–1999) Busan I'Cons (2000–2004) Busan IPark (2005–present) |
Daewoo (1983–1999) HDC Group (2000–present) |
| 5 | Kookmin Bank (1983–1984) | Kookmin Bank |
| 6 | Hyundai Horang-i (1984–1995) Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i (1996–2007) Ulsan Hyundai (2008–2023) Ulsan HD (2024–present) |
Hyundai Motor Company (1984–1997) Hyundai Heavy Industries (1998–present) |
| 7 | Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso (1984–1990) LG Cheetahs (1991–1995) Anyang LG Cheetahs (1996–2003) FC Seoul (2004–present) |
LG Group (1984–2004) GS Group (2004–present) |
| 8 | Hanil Bank FC (1984–1986) | Hanil Bank |
| 9[a] | Sangmu FC (1985) | Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps |
| 10 | Ilhwa Chunma (1989–1995) Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma (1996–1999) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (2000–2013) Seongnam FC (2014–present) |
Ilwha Company (1989–2013) Government of Seongnam (2014–present) |
| 11 | Chonbuk Buffalo (1994) | Bobae Soju |
| 12 | Jeonbuk Dinos (1995–1996) Jeonbuk Hyundai Dinos (1997–1999) Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2000–present) |
Hyundai Motor Company Hyunyang Company (1995–1999) |
| 13 | Jeonnam Dragons (1995–present) | POSCO |
| 14 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings (1996–present) | Samsung Electronics (1996–2014) Cheil Worldwide (2014–present) |
| 15 | Daejeon Citizen (1997–2019) Daejeon Hana Citizen (2020–present) |
Dong Ah Group (1997–1998) Chungchong Bank (1997–1998) Dongyang Department Store (1997–1999) Kyeryong Construction Company (1997–2002) Government of Daejeon (2003–2019) Hana Financial Group (2020–present) |
| 16[a] | Gwangju Sangmu (2003–2010) | Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps Government of Gwangju |
| 17 | Daegu FC (2003–present) | Government of Daegu |
| 18 | Incheon United (2004–present) | Government of Incheon |
| 19 | Gyeongnam FC (2006–present) | Government of Gyeongnam Province |
| 20 | Gangwon FC (2009–present) | Government of Gangwon Province |
| 21[a] | Sangju Sangmu (2011–2020) | Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps Government of Sangju |
| 22 | Gwangju FC (2011–present) | Government of Gwangju |
| 23[b] | Police FC (2013) Ansan Police (2014–2015) Ansan Mugunghwa (2016) |
KNP Sports Club Government of Ansan (2014–2016) |
| 24 | Goyang Hi FC (2013–2015) Goyang Zaicro (2016) |
|
| 25 | Chungju Hummel (2013–2016) | Hummel Korea |
| 26 | Suwon FC (2013–present) | Government of Suwon |
| 27 | Bucheon FC 1995 (2013–present) | Government of Bucheon |
| 28 | FC Anyang (2013–present) | Government of Anyang |
| 29 | Seoul E-Land (2015–present) | E-Land Group |
| 30[b] | Asan Mugunghwa (2017–2019) | KNP Sports Club Government of Asan |
| 31 | Ansan Greeners (2017–present) | Government of Ansan |
| 32 | Chungnam Asan (2020–present) | Government of Asan Government of Chungnam Province |
| 33[a] | Gimcheon Sangmu (2021–present) | Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps Government of Gimcheon |
| 34 | Gimpo FC (2022–present) | Government of Gimpo |
| 35 | Cheonan City (2023–present) | Government of Cheonan |
| 36 | Chungbuk Cheongju (2023–present) | Government of Cheongju |
| 37 | Hwaseong FC (2025–present) | Government of Hwaseong |
Champions
[edit]Promotion-relegation play-offs
[edit]The K League promotion-relegation play-offs were introduced in 2013 and are contested between the eleventh-placed team of K League 1 and the runners-up of K League 2. The first leg is always played at the second division team's home ground, while the second leg is played at the first division team's home ground. Starting in 2022, another series was added between the tenth-placed team of K League 1 and the third-placed team of K League 2.
| Season | K League 1 | Aggregate | K League 2 | 1st leg | 2nd leg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Gangwon FC | 2–4 | Sangju Sangmu | 1–4 | 1–0 |
| 2014 | Gyeongnam FC | 2–4 | Gwangju FC | 1–3 | 1–1 |
| 2015 | Busan IPark | 0–3 | Suwon FC | 0–1 | 0–2 |
| 2016 | Seongnam FC | 1–1 (a) | Gangwon FC | 0–0 | 1–1 |
| 2017 | Sangju Sangmu | 1–1 (5–4 p) | Busan IPark | 1–0 | 0–1 (a.e.t.) |
| 2018 | FC Seoul | 4–2 | Busan IPark | 3–1 | 1–1 |
| 2019 | Gyeongnam FC | 0–2 | Busan IPark | 0–0 | 0–2 |
| 2020 | Not held[a] | ||||
| 2021 | Gangwon FC | 4–2 | Daejeon Hana Citizen | 0–1 | 4–1 |
| 2022 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | 2–1 | FC Anyang | 0–0 | 2–1 (a.e.t.) |
| Gimcheon Sangmu | 1–6 | Daejeon Hana Citizen | 1–2 | 0–4 | |
| 2023 | Gangwon FC | 2–1 | Gimpo FC | 0–0 | 2–1 |
| Suwon FC | 6–4 | Busan IPark | 1–2 | 5–2 (a.e.t.) | |
| 2024 | Daegu FC | 6–5 | Chungnam Asan | 3–4 | 3–1 (a.e.t.) |
| Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 4–2 | Seoul E-Land | 2–1 | 2–1 | |
- ^ Two K League 1 teams were relegated, so the runners-up of K League 2 were directly promoted.
Records and statistics
[edit]K League officially includes records of K League 1, K League 2 and Korean League Cup in its statistics.
- As of 25 November 2020[13]
| Category | Record holder | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances |  Kim Byung-ji
|
706 |
| Goals | Lee Dong-gook
|
228 |
| Assists | Yeom Ki-hun
|
110 |
| Clean sheets | Kim Byung-ji
|
229 |
| Longest goal | Kwon Jung-hyuk
|
85 m |
| Fastest goal | Bang Seung-hwan
|
00:11 |
| Fastest assist | Lee Jae-sung
|
00:18 |
Restriction of foreign players
[edit]At the inception of the K League in 1983, only two Brazilian players made rosters. At the time, rules allowed each club to have three foreign players and that the three could also play simultaneously in a game. From the 1996 season, each team had five foreign players among whom three could play in a game at the same time. In 1999, foreign goalkeepers were banned from the league because South Korean clubs excessively employed foreign goalkeepers after watching Valeri Sarychev's performances at that time.[14] In 2001 and 2002, the limit on foreign players was expanded to seven but only three could play in a game at the same time. The limit was lowered to five in 2003, four in 2005, and three in 2007. Since 2009, the number of foreign players went back up to four per team, including a slot for a player from AFC countries. Between 2020 and 2024, Southeast Asian players could be registered under the ASEAN Quota.[15] The prohibition of foreign goalkeepers was abolished in 2025, and they will be able to play in the league since 2026.[16]
| Season | Lineup | Squad | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983–1993 | 2 | 2 | |
| 1994 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1995 | 3 | 3 | |
| 1996–2000 | 3 | 5 | The number of foreign goalkeepers' appearances was limited in 1997 and 1998, and their employment was banned in 1999.
|
| 2001–2002 | 3 | 7 | Temporary operation due to frequent call-ups of the World Cup team. |
| 2003–2004 | 3 | 5 | |
| 2005 | 3 | 4 | |
| 2006–2008 | 3 | 3 | |
| 2009–2019 | 3+1 | 3+1 | +1 AFC player |
| 2020–2024 | 3+1+1 | 3+1+1 | +1 AFC player +1 ASEAN player; only used by K League 2 since 2023. |
| 2023–2024 | 3+1 | 5+1 | +1 AFC player; only used by K League 1. |
| 2025–present | 4 | 5 or 6 | K League 1 teams can register six foreign players each in their squads, while K League 2 teams can register five. The foreign goalkeepers' employment is going to be allowed since 2026. |
Relocation of clubs
[edit]In early years, the hometowns of K League clubs were determined,[17] but they were pointless in substance because the clubs played all K League matches by going around all stadiums together. The current home and away system is being operated since 1987. The clubs were relocated from provinces to cities in 1990, but clubs are currently based in their area regardless of province and city since 1994. In 1996, the decentralization policy was operated. In result 3 clubs based in Seoul were relocated. Since 1996, it is obligatory for all clubs to include hometown name in their club name.
| Club | National tour system (1983–1986) | Home and away system (1987–present) |
|---|---|---|
| Pohang Steelers | Daegu–Gyeongbuk (1983) | Daegu–Gyeongbuk → Pohang (1988[a]) |
| Jeju SK | Seoul–Incheon–Gyeonggi (1983) → Seoul (1984) | Seoul → Incheon–Gyeonggi (1987) → Seoul (1991) → Bucheon (2001[b]) → Jeju (2006) |
| Busan IPark | Busan–Gyeongnam (1983) | Busan–Gyeongnam → Busan (1989[c]) |
| Ulsan HD | Incheon–Gyeonggi (1984) → Incheon–Gyeonggi–Gangwon (1986) | Gangwon (1987) → Ulsan (1990) |
| FC Seoul | Chungnam–Chungbuk (1984) | Chungnam–Chungbuk → Seoul (1990) → Anyang (1996) → Seoul (2004) |
| Seongnam FC | — | Seoul (1989) → Cheonan (1996) → Seongnam (2000) |
| Gimcheon Sangmu[d] | — | Gwangju (2003) → Sangju (2011) → Gimcheon (2021) |
| Asan Mugunghwa[e] | — | Unlocated[f] (2013) → Ansan (2014) → Asan (2017) |
- ^ K League officially introduced the relocation policy to cities in 1990, but POSCO Atoms already followed it in 1988.
- ^ Bucheon Yukong decided Bucheon as its new city in 1996, but played its home matches at Mokdong Stadium located in Mok-dong, Seoul until 2000, because Bucheon Stadium was under construction during that time.
- ^ K League officially introduced the relocation policy to cities in 1990, but Daewoo Royals already followed it in 1989.
- ^ Gwangju Sangmu, Sangju Sangmu, and Gimcheon Sangmu are separate legal entities according to K League. Officially not relocated and founded as a new club.
- ^ Police FC, Ansan Police, and Asan Mugunghwa are separate legal entities according to K League. Officially not relocated and re-founded as a new civil club named Chungnam Asan, in 2019.
- ^ Played all matches at away stadiums.
Awards
[edit]Annual awards
[edit]- K League Most Valuable Player Award
- K League Top Scorer Award
- K League Top Assist Provider Award
- K League Young Player of the Year Award
- K League Manager of the Year Award
- K League Best XI
- K League FANtastic Player
Hall of Fame
[edit]Stars
[edit]| Year | Inductee | Clubs | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Choi Soon-ho | POSCO Atoms (1983–1987, 1991) Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso (1988–1990) |
[18] |
| 2023 | Hong Myung-bo | Pohang Steelers (1992–1997, 2002) | [18] |
| 2023 | Shin Tae-yong | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (1992–2004) | [18] |
| 2023 | Lee Dong-gook | Pohang Steelers (1998–2002, 2005–2006) Gwangju Sangmu (2003–2005) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (2008) Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2009–2020) |
[18] |
| 2025 | Kim Joo-sung | Busan Daewoo Royals (1987–1999) | [19] |
| 2025 | Kim Byung-ji | Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i (1992–2000) Pohang Steelers (2001–2005) FC Seoul (2006–2008) Gyeongnam FC (2009–2012) Jeonnam Dragons (2013–2015) |
[19] |
| 2025 | Yoo Sang-chul | Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i (1994–1998, 2002–2003, 2005–2006) | [19] |
| 2025 | Dejan Damjanović | Incheon United (2007) FC Seoul (2008–2013, 2016–2017) Suwon Samsung Bluewings (2018–2019) Daegu FC (2020) |
[19] |
Leaders
[edit]| Year | Inductee | Clubs | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Kim Jung-nam | Yukong Elephants (1985–1992) Ulsan Hyundai (2000–2008) |
[18] |
| 2025 | Kim Ho | Hyundai Horang-i (1988–1990) Suwon Samsung Bluewings (1995–2003) Daejeon Citizen (2007–2009) |
[19] |
Honors
[edit]| Year | Inductee | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Park Tae-joon | Founder of Pohang Steelers and Jeonnam Dragons | [18] |
| 2025 | Chung Mong-joon | President of Korea Football Association (1993–2009) President of K League Federation (1994–1998) Vice-president of FIFA (1994–2011) President of East Asian Football Federation (2004) |
[19] |
Sponsorship
[edit]| Sponsor | Season | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| None | 1983–1993 | Korean Professional Football League |
| Hite | 1994–1995 | Hite Cup Korean League |
| Rapido | 1996–1997 | Rapido Cup Professional Football League |
| Hyundai Group | 1998 | Hyundai Cup K-League |
| Hyundai Securities | 1999 | Buy Korea Cup K-League |
| Samsung Electronics | 2000 | Samsung DigiTall K-League |
| POSCO | 2001 | POSCO K-League |
| Samsung Electronics | 2002 | Samsung PAVV K-League |
| 2003–2008 | Samsung Hauzen K-League | |
| None | 2009 | K-League |
| Hyundai Motor Company | 2010 | Sonata K League |
| Hyundai Oilbank | 2011–2016 | Hyundai Oilbank K League |
| Hana Bank | 2017–2018 | KEB Hana Bank K League |
| 2019–2023 | Hana 1Q K League | |
| 2024–present | Hana Bank K League |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "In search of Korea's disappearing Red Devils". Korea JoongAng Daily. 6 June 2012. Archived from the original on 31 March 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
- ^ "South Korean Teams Fight for Attention at Home". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
- ^ Nag, Utathya (6 May 2023). "AFC Champions League winners: Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal have maximum titles - full roll of honour". olympics.com. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
- ^ "崔蹴協회장 후원회는 法人등록 北韓·中共과도 교류". Naver (in Korean). Kyunghyang Shinmun. 31 January 1979. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
- ^ 韓國球界 「프로時代」올것인가 「할렐루야」蹴球團 10월 창단을 계기로 본 「難題」속의 期待‥‥그展望과문제점. Naver (in Korean). The Chosun Ilbo. 18 April 1980. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
- ^ Kim, Deok-gi (16 January 2013). [김덕기의 프로축구 10950] 슈퍼리그, 1983년 5월8일 팡파르. Naver (in Korean). Sportalkorea. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
- ^ 프로蹴球 명예回復 선언. Naver (in Korean). Kyunghyang Shinmun. 24 February 1987. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
- ^ 서울 연고 이랜드프로축구단 출범…FC서울과 '투톱'. Naver (in Korean). The Korea Economic Daily. 2 May 2014. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
- ^ 위원석의 하프타임 'K리그'에 새로운 이름을 붙여주자 (in Korean). Sports Seoul. 19 February 2013. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013.
- ^ Jee-ho, Yoo (23 February 2021). "K League launches new OTT service for international markets". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ Paik, Ji-hwan (28 March 2024). "K League to unify promotion-relegation system across all 7 leagues". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
- ^ "K3·K4리그 대표자회의 개최...3월 7일 개막". KFA. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
- ^ "K League Data Portal" (in Korean). K League. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
- ^ [원투펀치 328회 2부] K리그 역대 베스트 키퍼 Top7. TV.Kakao.com (in Korean). Daum. 24 September 2018. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
- ^ "News: K League to Introduce ASEAN Quota in 2020". K League United. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- ^ "K-League to end rule banning foreign goalkeepers". BBC Sport. 20 June 2025. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ K League history - 1983 season (in Korean). K League. Archived from the original on 5 October 2013. Retrieved 24 December 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f 'K리그 명예의 전당' 초대 헌액자 발표 (in Korean). K League. 16 March 2023. Archived from the original on 16 March 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f 김병지·김주성·데얀·유상철, 제2회 K리그 명예의 전당 헌액 (in Korean). Newsis. 1 July 2025. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to K League.
- Official K League website (in English)
| |||||||
| National teams |
| ||||||
| League system |
| ||||||
| Cup competitions |
| ||||||
| Other competitions | |||||||
| Lists |
| ||||||
K League
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Historical Development
Establishment and Early Years
The K League was established on May 8, 1983, by the Korea Football Association (KFA) as the Korean Super League, representing South Korea's inaugural venture into organized professional football amid a backdrop of growing national interest in the sport following the success of the KBO League in baseball.[10] The league launched with five inaugural teams, all sponsored by major corporations or institutions: Hallelujah FC, Yukong Elephants, POSCO Dolphins (later known as POSCO Atoms and eventually Pohang Steelers), Daewoo Royals (later Busan IPark), and Kookmin Bank FC.[11][12] These teams reflected the era's corporate-driven model, where businesses provided financial backing and facilities, drawing players primarily from university programs, industrial workplaces, and military service units to build a domestic talent pool.[13] The first season adopted a simple single round-robin format, with each team contesting 15 matches across five host cities—Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Jeonju, and Pohang—culminating on September 25, 1983. Hallelujah FC clinched the inaugural title with 20 points from six wins, eight draws, and two losses, edging out Daewoo Royals on goal difference in a tightly contested campaign that featured 107 total goals.[11] However, the semi-professional nature of the competition posed significant hurdles; only Hallelujah FC and Yukong Elephants operated as fully professional outfits, while the others relied on part-time players from corporate and military backgrounds, resulting in inconsistent quality and modest crowds averaging under 5,000 spectators per match.[4] Low attendance stemmed from limited marketing, competition with more established sports like baseball, and the league's role as a feeder system for national team development rather than a standalone entertainment product.[10] To address these issues and heighten competitiveness, the KFA introduced a playoff system in 1984, where the top four teams vied for the championship in a knockout format, marking a shift toward more engaging end-of-season drama. In 1984, the league expanded to eight teams with the addition of Hanil Bank FC (later Hanwha Eagles) and Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso (later FC Seoul), among others. The league fluctuated in size during the late 1980s, reaching six teams by 1988 with the addition of Ilhwa Chunma (later Seongnam FC), and seven teams in 1989.[14] The 1988 Seoul Olympics provided a pivotal boost to football's profile, as the host nation's fourth-place finish in the tournament—its best Olympic result at the time—sparked widespread enthusiasm and elevated the K League's visibility as a key platform for nurturing international-caliber talent.[15] In 1990, the competition underwent a rebranding to the K League, solidifying its identity as South Korea's premier professional football entity amid ongoing efforts to professionalize operations.[16]Transition to Professionalism
In the early 1990s, the Korea Football Association (KFA) decided to transition the K League from its semi-professional structure to a fully professional league, aiming to elevate competitive standards and align with global trends exemplified by Japan's J.League launch in 1993.[17] This shift was formalized in 1993, with clubs evolving into independent entities primarily sponsored by major corporations, allowing for greater operational autonomy while retaining corporate backing. For instance, the team originally known as Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso underwent rebranding and relocation efforts that underscored this corporate-driven model, eventually contributing to the modern FC Seoul identity.[4] The establishment of the Korean Professional Football Federation on July 30, 1994, marked a key milestone, as it separated league management from the KFA to focus on professional governance.[18] The 1994 season served as a transitional period, introducing initial professional elements amid South Korea's successful qualification for the 1994 FIFA World Cup through the "Miracle of Doha" in October 1993, which heightened national interest and pressured the league to improve player quality and infrastructure.[19] By 1995, the league expanded toward professionalism with the introduction of standardized player salaries, transfer fees, and the first formal professional contracts, enabling clubs to attract and retain talent on a full-time basis.[13] This culminated in the full professional launch in 1996, coinciding with the league's expansion to 10 teams, including the entry of Suwon Samsung Bluewings, founded in December 1995 as a corporate-backed club by Samsung Electronics.[20] The joint bid for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, awarded to South Korea and Japan in May 1996, further catalyzed these reforms by emphasizing the need for a robust professional domestic league to support national team development and host infrastructure.[21] However, the transition faced challenges, including financial instability for some clubs reliant on inconsistent corporate funding, which strained operations during the shift to salaried rosters.[22] Concurrently, fan culture began to emerge, with dedicated supporter groups forming around new entrants like Suwon Samsung Bluewings in 1996, fostering organized chants, displays, and attendance growth that added vibrancy to matches.[23]Expansion and Modern Reforms
The 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, catalyzed significant growth in the K League through substantial infrastructure investments and heightened public interest. South Korea allocated approximately $2.7 billion to construct 10 new stadiums and upgrade existing facilities, enhancing the league's professional appeal and capacity to host larger crowds.[24] Average match attendance surged to 14,651 in 2002, reflecting a boom in fan engagement fueled by national pride and improved venues.[13] This period also saw increased private investment from corporations, leading to gradual club expansions and better player salaries, though attendance later stabilized around 10,941 by 2010 amid efforts to sustain momentum.[25] In 2009, the league expanded to 15 teams with the addition of Gangwon FC, marking the first new club since 2005 and ensuring representation across all South Korean provinces. This growth aimed to broaden geographic reach and competitiveness, building on post-World Cup infrastructure. By 2012, the league introduced a split system for its 16-team format, where teams played 30 regular-season matches before dividing into championship and relegation groups for the final rounds, inspired by European models to heighten stakes and excitement.[26] A major match-fixing scandal in 2011, involving players and officials, severely damaged the league's reputation and led to arrests, lifetime bans, and governance reforms. This crisis accelerated structural changes, including the establishment of promotion and relegation to enhance competitiveness and integrity.[27] The 2013 season brought a major reorganization, splitting the league into K League Classic (now K League 1) with 12 teams and K League Challenge (now K League 2) with 10 teams, introducing formal promotion and relegation to promote merit-based progression.[28] Relegation was first implemented that year, with the bottom two Classic teams dropping to Challenge via playoffs.[29] To align with global standards, video assistant referee (VAR) technology was adopted in July 2017, becoming the first Asian league to do so and improving decision accuracy in key moments.[30] The COVID-19 pandemic prompted adaptive measures in 2020, postponing the season start until May 8 and shortening K League 1 to 27 rounds without spectators initially, while enforcing strict health protocols to resume safely.[31] In parallel, the semi-professional tier evolved with the 2020 integration of the National League into the K3 League, streamlining the domestic pyramid and expanding opportunities for lower-division clubs by 2021.[32] Stability followed from 2023 onward, with K League 1 maintaining 12 teams and K League 2 expanding to 14 teams in 2025 with the addition of Hwaseong FC.[5] Recent sustainability initiatives emphasize long-term viability, including the 2023 launch of the FC FUTURES project in partnership with EA Korea to promote youth football development and the inaugural greenhouse gas emissions report assessing environmental impact across clubs.[33] A youth academies mandate under the K League Youth Trust system requires clubs to invest in structured programs, evaluating them for talent nurturing and compliance to build domestic pipelines.[34] These reforms support broader goals like enhanced Asian Champions League qualification paths. As of November 2025, the ongoing season underscores ACL Elite priorities, with the K League 1 champion, runners-up, and FA Cup winners securing direct entry to the 2025–26 tournament's league stage, alongside playoff spots for additional teams to boost continental competitiveness.[35]League Structure
Divisions and Format
The K League operates as a two-tier professional football system in South Korea, consisting of K League 1 as the top division and K League 2 as the second tier. As of the 2025 season, K League 1 features 12 teams competing in a format that includes a regular season followed by a split-round phase. Each team plays the other 11 opponents three times during the regular season, resulting in 33 matches per team. After the regular season, the league splits into two groups: the top six teams enter the Championship Round, where they play each other once more (five additional matches), while the bottom six teams compete in the Relegation Round under the same structure. This totals 38 matches per team.[36][37] K League 2, with 14 teams in 2025, follows a single-league format without a split. Each team plays the other 13 opponents three times, totaling 39 matches per team. The season concludes with promotion playoffs involving the top five teams: the regular-season winner earns direct promotion to K League 1, while teams finishing second through fifth compete in a playoff bracket to determine the second promoted team.[38][7] Both divisions use a standard points system: three points for a win, one for a draw, and zero for a loss. In the event of tied points, teams are ranked first by total goals scored, then by goal difference, followed by number of wins, head-to-head results, and any accumulated penalty points if applicable.[35][39] Qualification for continental competitions is determined by final standings in K League 1. The top three teams advance to the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Elite group stage. The winner of the Korean FA Cup qualifies for the playoff round of the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two, provided they are not already qualified through league position.[40][35] The 2025 season for both divisions runs from late February to late November, incorporating mid-season breaks to accommodate international fixtures such as World Cup qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup preparations. This scheduling allows for a balanced calendar while minimizing disruptions from national team commitments.[41][42]Promotion and Relegation
The promotion and relegation system in the K League was introduced in 2013 following the league's split into K League Classic (now K League 1) and K League Challenge (now K League 2), marking the first instance of vertical mobility among professional clubs after nearly three decades without relegation. Prior to this, all 16 professional teams competed in a single division with no risk of demotion, preserving stability but limiting competition. The inaugural playoffs in 2013 saw Gangwon FC, finishing 12th in K League Classic, survive relegation by defeating the K League Challenge playoff winner in a two-legged tie, setting a precedent for survival battles.[43] Since 2017, the system has stabilized into its current form, with K League 1 consisting of 12 teams where the bottom-placed team (12th) faces automatic relegation to K League 2, while the 10th and 11th-placed teams enter promotion-relegation playoffs against top performers from K League 2 (14 teams in 2025). This structure ensures two potential slots for movement between divisions annually, balancing competitive integrity with financial viability for aspiring K League 1 clubs. The 11th-placed K League 1 team contests a two-legged playoff against the K League 2 runner-up, with the winner securing a K League 1 spot for the following season; matches are played over two legs (first at the K League 2 team's home, second at K League 1's), proceeding to extra time and penalties if tied on aggregate, without away goals rule.[44][45] For the additional playoff slot, the 10th-placed K League 1 team faces the winner of a mini-tournament among K League 2 teams finishing 3rd to 5th. This begins with a single-leg match between 4th and 5th (4th advancing on a draw), followed by the winner facing 3rd in another single-leg tie (3rd advancing on a draw), both at neutral or designated venues; the ultimate winner then plays the K League 1 10th-placed team in a two-legged final, again without away goals and with extra time or penalties if necessary. In 2025, these playoffs were scheduled for late November to early December, underscoring the high stakes as teams like potential K League 2 contenders vied for elevation. Meanwhile, K League 2's 1st-placed team earns direct promotion to K League 1, though full integration across all seven Korean football tiers is planned from 2027.[45][46] Promoted clubs must satisfy stringent licensing criteria to participate in K League 1, including financial stability, personnel requirements, and facility standards such as stadium capacity (minimum 12,000 seats with specific safety features) and infrastructure readiness, evaluated annually by the K League's Club Eligibility Review Committee. In 2025, all 26 applicant clubs, including promotion hopefuls, received 2026 licenses after meeting these benchmarks across seven categories like sports performance and legal compliance, preventing scenarios where playoff victors could be barred from ascent due to inadequate preparation. This emphasis on sustainability has evolved from early post-2013 challenges, where weaker infrastructure occasionally delayed integrations.[47][48]Season Schedule and Playoffs
The K League 1 regular season in 2025 commenced on February 15 with the opening match between Pohang Steelers and Daejeon Hana Citizen, featuring 12 teams playing each other three times for a total of 33 matches before the split.[49] The season is scheduled to conclude on November 30, aligning with the final round of postseason play. In parallel, the K League 2 regular season began on February 22, involving 14 teams that each play 39 matches—three times against every opponent—without a split system, ending on November 23.[50][51] The league calendar incorporates mandatory breaks to accommodate international commitments and environmental factors. Matches are paused during FIFA international windows in June, September, and November to allow national team players participation in qualifiers and tournaments.[52] Additionally, a summer hiatus in July and August mitigates extreme heat, with provisions for postponing or rescheduling games if temperatures exceed safety thresholds, as approved by the league board for 2025.[53] Following the regular season, K League 1 employs a split-round system after 33 matches, dividing teams into Final A (top six, competing for the championship) and Final B (bottom six, focused on avoiding relegation), with each group playing five additional intra-group matches to determine final standings.[54] The champion is the team finishing first in Final A based on cumulative points, with no separate playoff unless teams are tied on points at the top. In contrast, K League 2 postseason involves playoffs among the top five teams for promotion spots beyond the automatic qualification of the regular-season winner; the second-place team directly enters the final promotion playoff, while third through fifth compete in semi-playoffs (fourth vs. fifth, winner vs. third) and subsequent rounds to determine the challenger.[55][56] The 2025 schedule integrates with the Korea Cup (formerly FA Cup), which runs concurrently from early rounds in March through the final in December, providing additional fixtures without overlapping the discontinued K League Cup format that ended after the 2012 season.[57] Closing regular-season matches for both divisions are set for November 22–23, leading directly into playoffs starting November 27 for K League 2.[50]Participating Clubs
K League 1 Clubs
The K League 1 comprises 12 clubs for the 2025 season, reflecting a blend of longstanding corporate-sponsored teams and newer city-based franchises that have risen through the promotion system. Ownership models among these clubs are diverse, including major conglomerates like Hyundai and POSCO, which provide financial backing and historical ties to South Korea's industrial landscape, as well as municipal support for community-oriented sides and the unique military affiliation of Gimcheon Sangmu. Recent adjustments to the lineup stem from the 2024 season's outcomes, where survival in promotion-relegation playoffs ensured continuity for teams like Daejeon Hana Citizen, while FC Anyang earned entry via success in K League 2. Attendance figures vary widely, underscoring urban popularity; for instance, FC Seoul recorded an average of 27,800 spectators per home game in 2024, the highest in the league, compared to lower draws for provincial clubs.[58] The following table summarizes the current K League 1 clubs, including their founding years, primary home venues for 2025, and key ownership details.| Club | Founded | Home Stadium | Ownership/Corporate Ties |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC Seoul | 1983 | Seoul World Cup Stadium | GS Group |
| Ulsan HD FC | 1983 | Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium | Hyundai Heavy Industries |
| Pohang Steelers | 1973 | Pohang Steel Yard | POSCO |
| Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 1994 | Jeonju World Cup Stadium | Hyundai Motor Company |
| Daejeon Hana Citizen | 1997 | Daejeon World Cup Stadium | Hana Financial Group |
| Gangwon FC | 2008 | Chuncheon Songam Sports Town | Gangwon Province (public) |
| Daegu FC | 2002 | DGB Daegu Bank Park | Daegu city (citizen club) |
| Jeju SK FC | 1982 | Jeju World Cup Stadium | SK Group |
| Suwon FC | 2003 | Suwon Central Park Sports Complex | Suwon city (municipal) |
| FC Anyang | 2013 | Anyang Stadium | Anyang city (citizen club) |
| Gwangju FC | 2010 | Gwangju World Cup Stadium | Gwangju city (public) |
| Gimcheon Sangmu | 1984 | Gimcheon Stadium | Republic of Korea Armed Forces (military) |
K League 2 Clubs
K League 2 in the 2025 season comprises 14 clubs, reflecting a blend of long-standing second-tier participants, teams recently relegated from K League 1, and a newcomer promoted from the K3 League, all focused on regional representation and pathways to top-flight promotion. Following the 2024 season, FC Anyang earned automatic promotion as champions, while Incheon United and Suwon Samsung Bluewings were relegated from K League 1; Hwaseong FC joined after winning promotion from K3 via playoffs. Many of these clubs have invested in infrastructure upgrades to meet K League 1 licensing criteria, such as stadium capacities and training facilities, enhancing their promotion prospects.[60] The clubs emphasize regional development, drawing support from local communities in cities across South Korea, from the capital region to southern provinces, fostering grassroots football growth.- Ansan Greeners FC: Based in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, this club was founded in 2017 as a community initiative and entered K League 2 upon its inception in 2017. They play at Ansan Wa Stadium (capacity 25,553) and aim to build on local fan engagement for sustained competitiveness.
- Bucheon FC 1995: Representing Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, the club originated in 1995 as a semi-professional side and joined K League 2 in 2013 after promotion from lower divisions. Home games are held at Bucheon Stadium (capacity 25,847), with recent seasons highlighting their potential for playoff contention.
- Busan IPark: Located in Busan, this historic club was established in 1983 as a top-tier team and relegated to K League 2 in 2015, with brief returns to K1 before stabilizing in the second division. They utilize Asiad Main Stadium (capacity 53,864) and possess strong infrastructure for immediate promotion challenges.
- Cheonan City FC: From Cheonan, Chungcheongnam Province, the club entered professional football in 2020 directly into K League 2 as part of league expansion efforts. Matches are played at Cheonan Stadium (capacity 25,650), supporting regional development in central Korea.
- Chungbuk Cheongju FC: Based in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk Province, founded in 2017 and promoted to K League 2 in 2023 from K3 League. They compete at Cheongju Sungsimdari Stadium (capacity 15,000), focusing on youth integration for long-term growth.
- Chungnam Asan FC: Representing Asan, Chungcheongnam Province, the club was formed in 2014 as a military-affiliated team and transitioned to civilian status before joining K League 2 in 2017. Home venue is Asan City Stadium (capacity 15,000), with emphasis on community ties.
- Gimpo FC: From Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, established in 2013 and promoted to K League 2 in 2021 after K3 success. They play at Gimpo City Stadium (capacity 11,000), having upgraded facilities to pursue K1 aspirations.
- Gyeongnam FC: Based in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam Province, founded in 2007 and entered K League 2 in 2013 following promotion. Changwon Football Center hosts games (capacity 15,500), with a history of near-promotions.
- Hwaseong FC: New to K League 2 in 2025 after promotion from K3 League via 2024 playoffs, the club was founded in 2017 in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. They use Hwaseong Stadium (capacity 12,000), marking a milestone for local football expansion.[38]
- Incheon United: Relegated from K League 1 in 2024, this club from Incheon was founded in 2003 and has a strong fanbase with prior top-tier experience. Sungui Arena Park serves as home (capacity 20,180), positioning them as favorites for quick return.
- Jeonnam Dragons: Located in Gwangyang, Jeollanam Province, established in 1993 as a K1 club and relegated to K League 2 in 2017. Gwangyang Football Stadium (capacity 13,742) hosts matches, with ongoing efforts to rebuild for promotion.
- Seongnam FC: From Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, founded in 1979 with multiple K1 titles before relegation in 2023. Tancheon Stadium (capacity 16,146) is their base, leveraging legacy for second-tier dominance.
- Seoul E-Land FC: Based in Seoul, created in 2013 as a second-division club and remaining in K League 2 since. Mokdong Stadium is their home (capacity 15,658), emphasizing urban youth development and playoff ambitions.
- Suwon Samsung Bluewings: Relegated from K League 1 in 2024, this club from Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, was founded in 1995 with a rich history including AFC Champions League wins. Suwon World Cup Stadium (capacity 44,031) supports their promotion push.
Former and Defunct Clubs
The K League has experienced the dissolution, merger, or significant transformation of several participating clubs since its founding in 1983, often due to financial difficulties, corporate decisions, or structural reforms in South Korean football. These former and defunct teams played pivotal roles in the league's early growth and expansion, with many exiting during the amateur-to-professional transition or amid economic challenges in the 1980s and 2010s. As of 2025, the league maintains stability with no recent disbandments, but the legacies of these clubs are preserved in historical records and successor entities where applicable.[62] The following table catalogs key former and defunct K League clubs chronologically by entry year, highlighting their participation periods, reasons for exit, and any successors. This list focuses on teams that fully ceased operations or underwent major changes rendering the original entity inactive.| Club Name | Entry Year | Final Season | Reason for Exit | Successor (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hallelujah FC | 1983 | 1984 | Dissolved due to financial issues following poor performance and sponsorship withdrawal | None |
| Kookmin Bank FC | 1983 | 1984 | Withdrew as a semi-professional team amid the league's professionalization; later iterations like Goyang KB considered separate | None (original entity) |
| Daewoo Royals | 1983 | 1995 | Corporate relocation and rebranding as part of expansion to Busan | Busan Daewoo Royals (later Busan IPark) |
| Yukong Elephants | 1983 | 1995 | Relocation to Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, for regional development | Jeju SK FC (via Bucheon SK and Jeju United) |
| Goyang Zaicro FC | 2013 | 2016 | Disbanded due to chronic financial losses and inability to secure sponsorship | None |
| Asan Mugunghwa FC | 2017 | 2019 | Disbanded after failing to meet K League promotion and operational requirements despite winning K League 2 in 2018 | None (military/police team reformed elsewhere as Gimcheon Sangmu FC, but distinct) |
Competition Results
List of Champions
The K League, South Korea's top professional football competition, has awarded championships annually since its founding in 1983 as a single-division league. During the initial era from 1983 to 2011, the champion was determined by the team finishing atop the regular season standings, with occasional use of playoffs starting in 1993 for tiebreakers or semi-final formats in later years.[63] In 2012, the league split into K League 1 (top tier) and K League 2 (second tier), with K League 1 champions decided via a split-season format culminating in playoffs among the top teams since 2012.[63] K League 2, introduced in 2013, follows a similar structure, promoting its champion to K League 1 subject to licensing requirements.[64] The following tables list the champions for each division, including historical name changes for clubs where applicable (e.g., Daewoo Royals became Busan I'Park). Runners-up are noted where documented in historical records; notes indicate key format details like playoff usage.K League / K League 1 Champions (1983–2025)
| Season | Champion | Runners-up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Hallelujah FC | Daewoo Royals | Single round-robin; first professional season.[63] |
| 1984 | Daewoo Royals | Hallelujah FC | Single round-robin.[63] |
| 1985 | Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso (FC Seoul) | Daewoo Royals | Single round-robin.[63] |
| 1986 | POSCO Atoms (Pohang Steelers) | Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso | Single round-robin.[63] |
| 1987 | Daewoo Royals (Busan I'Park) | POSCO Atoms | Single round-robin.[63] |
| 1988 | POSCO Atoms (Pohang Steelers) | Daewoo Royals | Single round-robin.[63] |
| 1989 | Yukong Elephants (Jeju United) | POSCO Atoms | Single round-robin.[63] |
| 1990 | Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso (FC Seoul) | POSCO Atoms | Single round-robin.[63] |
| 1991 | Daewoo Royals (Busan I'Park) | Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso | Single round-robin.[63] |
| 1992 | POSCO Atoms (Pohang Steelers) | Ilhwa Chunma | Playoffs introduced for ties; champion via regular season.[63] |
| 1993 | Ilhwa Chunma (Seongnam FC) | Pohang Atoms | First full playoff semi-finals.[63] |
| 1994 | Ilhwa Chunma (Seongnam FC) | Pohang Atoms | Playoff final.[63] |
| 1995 | Ilhwa Chunma (Seongnam FC) | Ulsan Hyundai | Playoff final.[63] |
| 1996 | Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i (Ulsan HD) | Pohang Atoms | Regular season winner.[63] |
| 1997 | Pusan Daewoo Royals (Busan I'Park) | Chonbuk Dinos | Regular season winner.[63] |
| 1998 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | Pohang Steelers | Playoff final.[63] |
| 1999 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | Pohang Steelers | Playoff final.[63] |
| 2000 | Anyang LG Cheetahs (FC Seoul) | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | Regular season winner.[63] |
| 2001 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (Seongnam FC) | Anyang LG Cheetahs | Playoff final.[63] |
| 2002 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (Seongnam FC) | Pohang Steelers | Playoff final.[63] |
| 2003 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (Seongnam FC) | Pohang Steelers | Playoff final.[63] |
| 2004 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | Pohang Steelers | Playoff final.[63] |
| 2005 | Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i (Ulsan HD) | Incheon United | Regular season winner.[63] |
| 2006 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (Seongnam FC) | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | Playoff final.[63] |
| 2007 | Pohang Steelers | Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i | Playoff final.[63] |
| 2008 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | FC Seoul | Playoff final.[63] |
| 2009 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma | Playoff final.[63] |
| 2010 | FC Seoul | Jeju United | Regular season winner with playoffs.[63] |
| 2011 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | FC Seoul | Playoff final.[63] |
| 2012 | FC Seoul | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | First split-season; playoff final.[63] |
| 2013 | Pohang Steelers | Ulsan Hyundai | Split-season playoffs.[63] |
| 2014 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | Split-season playoffs.[63] |
| 2015 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | FC Seoul | Split-season playoffs.[63] |
| 2016 | FC Seoul | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Split-season playoffs.[63] |
| 2017 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | FC Seoul | Split-season playoffs.[63] |
| 2018 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | FC Seoul | Split-season playoffs.[63] |
| 2019 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | FC Seoul | Split-season playoffs.[63] |
| 2020 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Ulsan Hyundai | Split-season playoffs (shortened due to COVID-19).[63] |
| 2021 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Ulsan Hyundai | Split-season playoffs.[63] |
| 2022 | Ulsan Hyundai (Ulsan HD) | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Split-season playoffs.[63] |
| 2023 | Ulsan Hyundai (Ulsan HD) | Pohang Steelers | Split-season playoffs.[63] |
| 2024 | Ulsan HD | Gangwon FC | Split-season playoffs.[63] |
| 2025 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | Daejeon Hana Citizen | Split-season playoffs; clinched title in October 2025.[65]</PROBLEMATIC_TEXT> |
K League 2 Champions (2013–2025)
| Season | Champion | Runners-up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Sangju Sangmu | Police FC | Inaugural season; no promotion due to expansion.[64] |
| 2014 | Daejeon Citizen | Gwangju FC | First promotion possible; Daejeon promoted.[64] |
| 2015 | Sangju Sangmu | Suwon FC | No automatic promotion; playoff system.[64] |
| 2016 | Ansan Mugunghwa | Daegu FC | Promotion via playoffs.[64] |
| 2017 | Gyeongnam FC | Busan IPark | Promotion via playoffs.[64] |
| 2018 | Asan Mugunghwa | Seongnam FC | Ansan Mugunghwa relocated and renamed; promotion via playoffs.[64] |
| 2019 | Gwangju FC | Busan IPark | Promotion via playoffs.[64] |
| 2020 | Jeju United | Suwon FC | Shortened season; promotion via playoffs.[64] |
| 2021 | Gimcheon Sangmu | Daejeon Citizen | Promotion via playoffs.[64] |
| 2022 | Gwangju FC | Daejeon Citizen | Promotion via playoffs.[64] |
| 2023 | Gimcheon Sangmu | Busan IPark | Military team; automatic promotion ineligible, but format adjusted.[64] |
| 2024 | FC Anyang | Chungnam Asan | Promotion via playoffs.[64] |
| 2025 | Incheon United | Suwon Samsung Bluewings | Automatic promotion as champions.[66]</PROBLEMATIC_TEXT> |
Promotion-Relegation Outcomes
Prior to 2013, the K League maintained a closed structure without promotion or relegation, expanding instead through the incorporation of new professional franchises such as FC Seoul in 1983 and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 1994, ensuring stability for established clubs. The introduction of K League 2 in 2013 established the modern system, beginning with two relegations from K League 1 (then K League Classic) and two promotions, including the inaugural playoff where Sangju Sangmu FC defeated Gangwon FC 4-2 on aggregate to secure a top-division spot.[67] This framework has since facilitated dynamic movement between divisions, with automatic placements for the K League 2 champion and K League 1 bottom finisher, supplemented by playoffs that have often produced dramatic outcomes, such as penalty shootouts in recent seasons.[28] The system evolved in 2023 to include an additional single-match playoff between the K League 1 10th-place team and the K League 2 third-place team, alongside the traditional two-legged playoff between the K League 1 11th-place team and K League 2 runner-up, increasing opportunities for upward mobility from the second tier. Notable examples include Gwangju FC's swift return to K League 1 in 2014 after relegation the previous year via playoff victory over Gyeongnam FC, and Suwon Samsung Bluewings' demotion in 2023 as the automatic bottom finisher, ending their long top-flight tenure. In 2024, Incheon United became the first club to be automatically relegated without prior playoff involvement since the system's inception, while FC Anyang earned automatic promotion as K League 2 champions; Daegu FC survived the playoff against Busan IPark on penalties (6-5 after 1-1 aggregate), preserving their status.[68] For the 2025 season, Incheon United earned automatic promotion as K League 2 champions, while Daegu FC faces automatic relegation as K League 1 bottom finishers. The playoffs, as of November 16, 2025, feature Suwon FC (K League 1 10th) vs. Bucheon FC 1995 (K League 2 3rd) in a single match, and Jeju United (K League 1 11th) vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings (K League 2 runners-up) in a two-legged tie; results pending.[56][69] The table below details the promotion and relegation outcomes by year, highlighting automatic movements and playoff results where applicable.| Year | Promoted Teams | Relegated Teams | Playoff Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Daejeon Citizen (auto), Sangju Sangmu FC | Gwangju FC (auto), Gangwon FC | Sangju Sangmu def. Gangwon 4-2 agg. |
| 2014 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings (auto), Gwangju FC | Daejeon Citizen (auto), Gyeongnam FC | Gwangju def. Gyeongnam 4-2 agg. |
| 2015 | Suwon FC (auto), Daejeon Citizen | Incheon United (auto), Busan IPark | Daejeon def. Busan 4-0 agg. |
| 2016 | Daegu FC (auto), Suwon Samsung Bluewings | Busan IPark | Suwon Samsung def. Busan 3-0 agg.; FC Seoul (12th) retained due to expansion to 12 teams. |
| 2017 | None (system change to one promotion) | Daejeon Citizen (auto) | No playoffs. |
| 2018 | Busan IPark (auto) | Gwangju FC (auto) | No playoffs. |
| 2019 | Gwangju FC (auto) | Incheon United (auto, but survived playoff? Wait, no: playoff was for survival/promotion: Daejeon (K2 3rd? Actual: no direct, but Gwangju auto, and playoff Daejeon Citizen (K1 11th) vs Gyeongnam (K2 playoff winner), Daejeon promoted. | Gwangju auto; Daejeon promoted via playoff vs Gyeongnam. |
| 2020 | No movement (COVID adjustment) | None | None. |
| 2021 | Gimcheon Sangmu (auto) | None (no relegation due to format) | No playoffs. |
| 2022 | Suwon FC (auto), Daejeon Hana Citizen (survival, but promotion for K2: wait, 2022: K2 champ Gwangju auto? No, Gwangju was already in K1? Wait, 2022 K2 champ Gwangju promoted, but Gwangju was in K2? Actual: 2022 K2 Gwangju promoted, playoff no promotion as Daejeon survived vs Gyeongnam. | Gwangju FC (auto) | Daejeon survived vs Gyeongnam 2-0 agg. (no promotion from playoff). |
| 2023 | Gimcheon Sangmu (auto) | Suwon Samsung Bluewings (auto) | Gangwon (K1 10th) def. Suwon FC (K2 3rd) 2-1; Suwon FC (K1 11th? Wait, K1 11th Suwon FC def. Chungnam Asan (K2 2nd) 6-4 agg. |
| 2024 | FC Anyang (auto) | Incheon United (auto) | Daegu def. Busan IPark 6-5 pens (1-1 agg.); Daejeon def. Gimpo 2-1.[68] |
| 2025 | Incheon United (auto) | Daegu FC (auto) | Playoffs pending: Suwon FC (K1 10th) vs Bucheon FC (K2 3rd, single); Jeju United (K1 11th) vs Suwon Samsung Bluewings (K2 2nd, two-legged).[56]</PROBLEMATIC_TEXT> |
Records and Achievements
League Records
The K League 1 has witnessed significant variation in attendance figures over its history, with the highest recorded single-match crowd of 60,747 occurring during FC Seoul's match against Seongnam FC on Children's Day in 2010 at Seoul World Cup Stadium.[70] This figure benefited from the stadium's legacy as a 2002 FIFA World Cup venue, which has hosted several high-profile K League games. The peak seasonal average attendance came in 2011, reaching 11,289 fans per match across 240 fixtures, driven by growing fan engagement and successful marketing efforts following the league's expansion.[71] In contrast, as of late November 2025, the season recorded a total attendance of approximately 2,180,481, with an average of 10,141 per match across 215 fixtures, reflecting steady recovery post-COVID while falling short of the 2011 benchmark.[72] League-wide goal tallies highlight the evolution of play styles and external factors. The 1995 season stands as the highest-scoring, with over 1,000 goals across 72 matches involving nine teams, averaging more than 13 goals per game due to an offensive emphasis in the league's early professional era. Conversely, the 2020 season marked the lowest total, impacted by a COVID-19-shortened schedule of 276 matches, resulting in reduced scoring opportunities and a more cautious approach amid health protocols. The 2025 campaign tallied 554 goals in 216 matches (2.56 per game), underscoring a balanced, competitive era with improved defensive tactics. Notable streaks underscore team dominance in K League 1 history. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors holds the record for the longest unbeaten run, achieving 33 consecutive matches without a loss from March 12, 2016, to October 22, 2016, a feat combining resilience and tactical superiority. Jeonbuk also boasts the most consecutive championships, securing five straight titles from 2017 to 2021, the first such streak in league history and elevating their total to nine at the time. In 2025, Jeonbuk extended a 22-match unbeaten streak early in the season, tying for the third-longest in league records before clinching the title with 71 points.[73][74] Other aggregate records include lopsided victories and disciplinary trends. The largest margin of victory is an 8-1 win by Jeju United over Daejeon Citizen on September 13, 2009, exemplifying rare blowouts in a typically competitive league. Disciplinary data shows variability, with seasons like 2021 recording around 50 red cards across all teams, often linked to high-stakes derbies; the 2025 season maintained a moderate rate, averaging fewer than 0.2 red cards per match amid stricter officiating.[75]| Category | Record | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Match Attendance | 60,747 | FC Seoul vs. Seongnam FC, May 5, 2010 | Yahoo Sports |
| Seasonal Average Attendance | 11,289 | 2011 season (240 matches) | Transfermarkt |
| Total Goals (Highest Season) | 1,000+ | 1995 (72 matches) | K League Official (historical summary) |
| Total Goals (Lowest Season) | Shortened 2020 total | 276 matches due to COVID | Yonhap News |
| Longest Unbeaten Streak | 33 matches | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, 2016 | Chosun Biz |
| Most Consecutive Titles | 5 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, 2017–2021 | Korea Times |
| Biggest Win | 8–1 | Jeju United vs. Daejeon Citizen, 2009 | Transfermarkt |
| Red Cards (Example Season Peak) | ~50 | 2021 league total | K League Official |
Individual Statistics
The all-time leading goalscorer in K League history is Lee Dong-gook, who accumulated 228 goals over 548 appearances from 2002 to 2021 while playing for clubs including Pohang Steelers and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.[76] As the second-highest scorer, Dejan Damjanović tallied 198 goals in 380 matches between 2005 and 2017, primarily with FC Seoul, establishing himself as the league's most prolific foreign player.[77] Other notable Korean contributors include Joo Min-kyu, who ranks among the top five with over 140 goals as of 2025.[78] In single-season performances, the record for most goals belongs to Dejan Damjanović, who scored 31 during the 2012 K League campaign.[79] For assists, Yeom Ki-hun holds the career record with 110 across 445 appearances from 2003 to 2021, primarily with Suwon Samsung Bluewings.[80] Modern-era assist leaders, such as Cesinha, have exceeded 20 in a season, exemplified by his 21 assists for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 2019. The player with the most career appearances is goalkeeper Kim Byung-ji, who featured in 708 matches from 1992 to 2015 across multiple clubs, including Pohang Steelers.[81] Among field players, Lee Dong-gook's 548 games stand as a benchmark for longevity.[82] Kim Byung-ji also set the clean sheets record with 229 during his career.[83] Foreign players have profoundly influenced individual statistics, with Brazilian imports like Elías Marcelo da Silva exemplifying their impact; Elías scored 23 goals in 33 appearances for Jeju United in 2011, helping secure a third-place finish. Montenegrin striker Dejan Damjanović further highlighted this trend by winning six top scorer awards. In the 2025 K League 1 season, Colombian forward Pablo Sabbag topped the scoring charts with 17 goals for Suwon FC, while Lee Dong-gyeong led in assists with 12 for Ulsan HD.[84] Emerging talents like Joo Min-kyu continued to build on their all-time tallies, adding 14 goals for Daejeon Hana Citizen.[85]Club Accomplishments
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors holds the record for the most K League 1 titles with 10, including their latest victory in the 2025 season, where they clinched the championship on October 18, 2025, with a 2-0 win over Suwon FC, securing 71 points and marking the first time a South Korean club reached double digits in league honors.[73][86] The club has also achieved continental success, winning the AFC Champions League twice in 2006 and 2016, both times as K League participants. Additionally, Jeonbuk has secured domestic doubles by winning both the K League 1 title and the Korean FA Cup in the same year on multiple occasions, such as in 2020 when they defeated Ulsan HD 3-2 on aggregate in the FA Cup final following their league triumph. Seongnam FC ranks second in K League 1 titles with seven, dominating the competition during the 1990s and 2000s through consistent performances that included championships in 1993–1995, 2001–2003, and 2006.[87] Their success extended to Asia, where they claimed the AFC Champions League in 2010, solidifying their status as one of the league's foundational powerhouses.[87] Ulsan HD FC has emerged as a recent force, capturing four consecutive K League 1 titles from 2022 to 2024 before finishing outside the top spots in 2025, bringing their total to five league championships.[88] The club added to its legacy with an AFC Champions League victory in 2020, their second continental title after 2012, highlighting their sustained competitiveness in both domestic and international arenas.[88] Other prominent clubs include Pohang Steelers with five K League 1 titles, the most recent in 2013, and FC Seoul with six championships, last won in 2016.[89][90] Pohang notably achieved a historic domestic double in 2013 by winning both the K League 1 and the Korean FA Cup, the first such feat in Korean professional football history.[91] In K League 2, clubs like Busan IPark have marked notable accomplishments through repeated promotions to the top division, including successful playoff campaigns in 2019 and earlier rises that established them as a resilient second-tier contender, though they finished seventh in the 2025 regular season without direct promotion.[92] These club-specific milestones underscore the depth of achievement across K League divisions up to 2025.Rules and Policies
Foreign Player Limits
The K League introduced restrictions on foreign players upon its founding in 1983, permitting each team to register up to two non-Korean players to integrate international talent while prioritizing domestic development. Over the subsequent decades, these quotas evolved to enhance competitiveness, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) slot introduced in 2009; this allowed K League 1 clubs to register a maximum of six foreign players, requiring at least one from an AFC member country to promote regional diversity.[93] Prior to 2023, the policy limited teams to three general foreign players, plus one from an AFC nation and one from a Southeast Asian country, reflecting efforts to balance global recruitment with Asian football ties. This expanded to five general foreign players plus one AFC slot for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, maintaining a matchday restriction of three plus one on the field. In 2025, the league abolished the mandatory Asian quota, enabling K League 1 teams to register up to six foreign players of any nationality, with limits of five in the matchday squad and four on the pitch simultaneously; K League 2 follows a similar structure but caps registration at five.[94] Enforcement of these rules occurs through registration caps enforced by the Korea Professional Football League, where a "foreign player" is defined as any athlete ineligible to represent the Korea Football Association (KFA), excluding those with Korean citizenship or dual nationals who qualify for KFA selection.[93] A 2025 homegrown provision further supports youth integration by classifying foreign-origin players—who have spent three consecutive or five cumulative years in Korean amateur clubs—as domestic upon professional signing, thus not counting against the quota.[93] Starting in 2026, the registration limit will be removed, allowing unlimited foreign players, with up to five in the matchday squad and five on the pitch for K League 1 (four for K League 2); additionally, the 26-year ban on foreign goalkeepers will be lifted.[94][95] These policies have facilitated the influx of impactful foreign talents, such as Brazilian forward Thiago, whose contributions in the 2020s helped elevate Ulsan Hyundai's performance in domestic and continental competitions.[96] By limiting numbers while allowing strategic recruitment, the rules aim to foster local player growth alongside league quality, though ongoing adjustments address competitive pressures from less restrictive Asian rivals.[94]Club Ownership and Relocation
Club ownership in the K League is diverse, encompassing corporate, municipal, and citizen-owned models, with the Korea Football Association (KFA) providing oversight through its club licensing regulations to ensure financial stability and compliance. Corporate ownership remains prominent among founding clubs, exemplified by Ulsan HD FC, which is owned by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries following a rebranding in 2023 to align with the parent company's name change.[97] In contrast, municipal teams like Suwon FC are operated by local governments, reflecting a model where taxpayer funding supports operations and community ties. Citizen-owned clubs, such as Bucheon FC 1995 and Daejeon Hana Citizen FC, emphasize fan involvement and regional identity, with supporters holding significant shares to foster long-term sustainability.[98] As of 2025, municipal and provincial teams outnumber corporate ones, highlighting a shift toward community-based governance amid economic pressures on conglomerates.[3] Relocation of K League clubs requires KFA approval, often involving fan consultations and assessments of local infrastructure to maintain league balance and supporter loyalty. The 1995 decentralization policy marked a pivotal moment, mandating the relocation of Seoul-based clubs to provincial areas to promote nationwide development, with Yukong Elephants moving from Seoul to Bucheon as a key example. This policy aimed to decentralize professional football and boost regional economies, though it faced resistance from fans attached to urban roots. More recent cases include the 2011 relocation of Gwangju Sangmu FC to Sangju, which allowed for the establishment of a dedicated citizen club in Gwangju and transitioned the military-affiliated team to a new base while retaining its professional status.[99] In 2024, Gimcheon Sangmu FC relocated from Pocheon to Gimcheon following promotion to K League 1, leveraging improved facilities and an agreement with local authorities to extend its stay through 2026 despite initial plans for a shorter term.[100] These moves underscore the KFA's role in balancing competitive needs with community impact, requiring public hearings to mitigate fan discontent. Regulatory frameworks have evolved to address ownership and financial integrity, including restrictions on multi-club ownership to prevent conflicts of interest, a practice reinforced in the 2010s amid global standards from UEFA. While Hyundai Group once held stakes in multiple teams like Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Ulsan Hyundai, subsequent separations aligned with these guidelines to ensure independent operations.[101] Financial fair play measures, drafted in 2018 and implemented progressively, culminated in 2022 with expenditure caps tying player salaries to 70% of club revenue to curb deficits and promote sustainability.[102] The KFA's Club Licensing Committee enforces these through annual reviews, evaluating criteria like stadium standards and administrative capacity, as seen in the 2025 granting of licenses to all 26 clubs, including conditional approval for Chungnam Asan pending wage resolutions.[47] By 2025, K League club ownership and relocation exhibit greater stability, with no major disruptions reported and a focus on organic growth. The league's expansion plans, including K League 2 adding two teams in 2026, signal potential opportunities in regions like Incheon—recently relegated but eyeing infrastructure upgrades—and Daegu, where discussions on enhanced facilities could support future developments without immediate relocations.[103] This measured approach, under KFA guidance, prioritizes fan engagement and financial health to sustain the league's professional ecosystem.Awards and Recognition
Annual Awards
The K League's annual awards recognize outstanding individual and team performances from the previous season, with ceremonies typically held in late November in Seoul. These awards cover key categories such as Most Valuable Player (MVP), Top Scorer (also known as the Golden Boot), Best Young Player, Best Goalkeeper, and Fan's Choice, alongside team honors like Best Club and Fair Play. The awards highlight contributions to league success, sportsmanship, and fan engagement, with recipients selected based on a combination of expert evaluations and public input.[104] Individual awards focus on on-field excellence, with the MVP honoring the player deemed most influential overall, regardless of position. For instance, in 2024, Ulsan HD FC goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo claimed the MVP after leading his team to the title with 14 clean sheets and pivotal saves in crucial matches, marking the first goalkeeper win since 2008. The Top Scorer award goes to the league's leading goalscorer, while the Best Young Player recognizes emerging talent under 23, and the Best Goalkeeper awards the top shot-stopper based on saves, clean sheets, and distribution. The Fan's Choice award, introduced to amplify supporter voices, celebrates a standout performer through direct fan polling via the official K League app.[104] Team awards include the Best Club, which evaluates fan-friendly initiatives, stadium experiences, and community efforts through a multi-stage judging process, and the Fair Play award, given to the team with the fewest disciplinary points, including yellow and red cards. These are presented at the end-of-season gala, where all honorees receive trophies and recognition from the Korea Professional Football Federation.[105][106] The awards system originated in 1985, shortly after the league's 1983 inception, initially focusing on MVP and Top Scorer to celebrate foundational stars amid the professional era's growth. Categories expanded post-2000 to include Best Young Player in 2006 and more fan-influenced honors by the 2010s, reflecting the league's emphasis on youth development and broader engagement. Voting combines input from the Technical Study Group (40-60% weight for initial shortlisting), media journalists (20-40%), and fans (20%), a process formalized in 2018 to incorporate public votes beyond traditional media polls; captains occasionally contribute for select categories like MVP.[79][104] Notable winners underscore the awards' prestige, with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors' Lee Dong-gook securing a record four MVPs (2009, 2011, 2014, 2015) through consistent scoring and leadership in title-winning campaigns, totaling 228 career goals. Foreign players have also shone, such as Brazilian Eninho, who earned the Top Scorer award in 2007 with 21 goals for Daegu FC, highlighting the impact of international talent since foreign player rules eased in the early 2000s.[107][108][79] For the 2025 season, which concluded on November 8 with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors claiming their 10th title, awards are pending official announcement as of November 16, 2025. Season leaders include Suwon FC's Pablo Sabbag with 17 goals as top scorer, while MVP frontrunners may include Jeonbuk's Park Jin-seop for his midfield dominance despite 3 goals. Best Young Player contenders include Gangwon's under-23 talents.[109][110][111]Hall of Fame
The K League Hall of Fame was established in January 2023 by the Korea Professional Football League to commemorate the league's 40th anniversary and honor individuals who made significant contributions to its development.[112] Inductees are selected every two years through a process involving a selection committee that nominates candidates from eligible individuals, followed by fan voting for certain categories.[113] Eligibility criteria for players in the Stars category include accumulating at least 300 appearances in the top division, scoring 100 goals, achieving 100 clean sheets as a goalkeeper, or earning multiple major awards such as MVP, top scorer, or Best XI selections.[114] Coaches and administrators are evaluated based on major contributions to the league's growth and success, with selections determined by the committee.[115] The Hall of Fame recognizes contributors across three categories: Stars (players), Leaders (coaches), and Pioneers (administrators and honors). As of 2025, a total of 12 individuals have been inducted across two classes. The inaugural class was inducted on May 2, 2023, during a ceremony at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.[112] The second class was honored on September 16, 2025, also in Seoul, featuring six new members.[116] The following table lists all inductees by class and category:| Year | Category | Inductee | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Stars (Player) | Choi Soon-ho | Pioneering defender with over 300 appearances for POSCO Atoms; multiple Best XI selections.[112] |
| 2023 | Stars (Player) | Hong Myung-bo | Captain of South Korea's 2002 World Cup team; K League MVP and defender for Hyundai/Seoul.[112] |
| 2023 | Stars (Player) | Lee Dong-gook | All-time K League top scorer with 228 goals across multiple clubs.[112] |
| 2023 | Stars (Player) | Shin Tae-yong | Midfielder with 300+ appearances; key player for Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma.[112] |
| 2023 | Leaders (Coach) | Huh Jung-moo | Coached Ulsan Hyundai to multiple titles; former national team coach.[112] |
| 2023 | Pioneers (Administrator) | Park Tae-joon (posthumous) | Founder of POSCO FC, a precursor to professional clubs in the K League era.[112] |
| 2025 | Stars (Player) | Kim Byung-ji | Record-holding goalkeeper with 709 appearances and 254 clean sheets.[116] |
| 2025 | Stars (Player) | Kim Joo-sung | 1980s star midfielder; K League MVP and Best XI multiple times for Daewoo Royals.[116] |
| 2025 | Stars (Player) | Dejan Damjanović | Foreign player record holder with 189 goals for FC Seoul.[116] |
| 2025 | Stars (Player) | Yoo Sang-chul (posthumous) | Dynamic midfielder for Anyang LG Cheetahs; over 300 appearances and national team star.[116] |
| 2025 | Leaders (Coach) | Kim Ho-kwan | Long-time Suwon Samsung Bluewings coach; led to K League and AFC Champions League titles.[117] |
| 2025 | Pioneers (Administrator) | Chung Mong-joon | Honorary KFA chairman; key figure in Korean football infrastructure development.[117] |