South Korea’s K League 1 has long been trailing behind its more illustrious Asian counterparts, the J.League and the Chinese Super League. While it has developed a reputation for disciplined football and a strong pipeline of talent heading to Europe, it has fallen behind the J.League and risks falling further behind if key structural and financial challenges are not addressed
To get an insider’s perspective, I spoke with Ross Davis, a Northern Irishman who has made Korea his home, working in the country’s football business. From tactical trends to financial struggles, Davis offers a candid and in-depth look at the current state of K League 1.
K League 1: Key Facts
The K League is South Korea’s top-tier football league, consisting of 12 clubs. The season runs from March to December, with each team playing a total of 38 matches—33 in the regular season, followed by a league split into a championship and relegation group of six teams each. The top three teams qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite, with the champion and runner-up securing direct spots, while the third-placed team enters the qualification rounds. At the bottom of the table, the last-placed team is relegated directly to K League 2, while the 11th-placed club faces a promotion/relegation playoff against a team from the second division. The league’s current total market value is approximately €144 million, with significant financial disparities among clubs.
Tactical Evolution: Keeping Up but Falling Short
On the pitch, K League has attempted to modernize, integrating trends such as high pressing and playing out from the back. However, Davis believes these efforts have yielded limited success. “Most teams rely on a structured 4-4-2 defensive setup, sitting in mid-to-low blocks,” he explains. “Gwangju FC stands out with their fluid positional buildup, influenced by Manchester City. Ulsan HD has also embraced a more European style under Kim Pan-gon, employing a higher defensive line and a lower PPDA (Passes Per Defensive Action).”
The Giants and the Chasing Pack
When discussing dominant teams, two names stand out: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Ulsan HD. Jeonbuk, with nine league titles, dominated until 2021. However, Ulsan has won the last three titles and looks poised for another. “Jeonbuk is struggling to adapt under Gus Poyet, while Ulsan is setting the standard,” Davis explains. Historically, teams like Pohang Steelers and Seongnam FC also played key roles, though their influence has waned.
Fan Culture and Matchday Experience
Despite financial struggles, K League has seen significant growth in attendance and fan culture. “The atmosphere has improved tremendously,” Davis says. “It’s similar to the J.League, with choreographed singing and passionate supporter groups. Clubs like Jeonbuk, Ulsan, and FC Seoul have strong home support, while K2’s Suwon Bluewings boast one of the best traveling fanbases in Korea.”
A unique aspect of K League is its family-friendly environment. “There’s almost never any hostility between fans,” Davis explains. “One quirky tradition is that home fans shout ‘goal’ before set pieces, something I could never imagine happening in the UK—it feels like a jinx!”
K League 1’s Place in the Global Football Pyramid
Despite its ambitions, K League has struggled to become a true stepping stone for players moving to Europe. Davis points to the rigid stance of club executives when it comes to transfers. “Ideally, K League should serve as a pathway to Europe, but Korean clubs often hold out for buyout clauses to be met, making it difficult for players to move early,” he says. “Seol Young-woo, now at Crvena Zvezda, could have left much earlier than at 25.”
Adding to the challenge is Korea’s mandatory military service, which disrupts players’ careers. “It’s a major obstacle,” Davis notes. “Unless a player wins an exemption through an international tournament, their career progression can be stalled for up to two years.”
Youth Development and Rising Stars
South Korea has consistently produced players who succeed in Europe, and its youth development system remains solid. “Each K League team has youth teams linked to high schools and universities,” Davis explains. “The best young players come through this system, but they often face a tough path to the first team.”
Among the rising stars, Davis highlights Yoon Do-young of Daejeon Hana Citizen, who is set to join Brighton this summer. “Kang Sang-Yoon at Jeonbuk is another great talent, though he’s struggling for minutes under Poyet. Defenders like Shin Min-ha, Kang Min-woo, and Jo Hyun-woo are also ones to watch.”
The Missing Piece: Foreign Investment
Unlike Japan, where Red Bull has invested in Omiya Ardija and City Football Group owns a stake in Yokohama F. Marinos, K League remains largely untouched by foreign investors. “Every year, rumors circulate about City Group or Red Bull entering Korea, but nothing materializes,” Davis laments. “It’s a major reason why the league is falling behind.”
Financially, the league is in a weak position. Civic clubs rely on city budgets, and company-backed teams like Samsung have shifted their focus to other sports, such as baseball. “The money just isn’t there, and without investment, it’s tough to compete with leagues like the J.League or and not a chance of doing anything like the Saudi Pro League,” says Davis.
The Challenges Ahead
Looking forward, Davis sees both obstacles and opportunities for K League . “The biggest issue is the state of the pitches,” he says. “It’s been a problem for years, but without investment, it’s hard to play quality football.”
Additionally, restrictive league policies—such as the ban on foreign goalkeepers and strict rules on under-22 players—have hampered growth. “Foreign coaches are also in decline, which has hurt the league’s competitiveness in the AFC Champions League,” Davis points out.
On the positive side, Korea’s football pyramid is opening up, which could create new opportunities for clubs. “If investment comes in and league policies evolve, K League could regain momentum,” Davis concludes. “But right now, it’s in a difficult place.”
The Verdict
K League is at a crossroads. While its fan culture and youth development remain strong, financial struggles, restrictive policies, and a lack of foreign investment continue to hold it back. The next few years will be crucial in determining whether it can close the gap with Japan or risk falling further behind in the ever-evolving Asian football landscape.