It is official: The K League is returning to action this weekend.
Two weeks ago, the South Korea league officially announced that it will resume on 8 May with a reduced schedule - down from 38 to 27 games.
Unfortunately, this season we will not be able to see fans with a cup of noodles and fried chicken on their laps or goalkeepers bowing to opponent' supporters in respect before the match starts since games will be played behind closed doors with no spectators.
While the Chinese Super League had no chance to start, and the J.League was forced to postpone the league after the season opener - the South Korean competition is the second East Asian League to kick off during the global pandemic, after the Taiwanese Premier League.
As expected, the league anticipates attention from all around the world. Like in the cases of Belarus and Tajikistan, many countries have bought the broadcasting rights and will transmit Korean football to worldwide audiences. Reportedly ten countries, including Croatia, China, Hong Kong and Israel, to name a few, have acquired K League's broadcasting rights and there are some more nations considering such a move.
"How can a league return to action during the coronavirus pandemic?", one may ask. In this case, K League has literally set the primary guidelines for operating a football competition, while preventing the spread of COVID-19. The league stated that they will closely monitor the health conditions of players, coaches, and staff. Press meetings will be held with a security distance, while coaches and journalists are required to wear masks. Handshakes, physical contacts before and after games, and even exaggerated spitting during a match is strictly prohibited. K League is aiming to obtain its competition in the safest measures that possible.
For those who aren't familiar with Korean football, the league has some interesting rules that are worth pointing out. All teams must field one under-22 Korean player in the squad and one on the bench. If teams decide not to field such a player, the number of available substitutes is reduced by one. Unlike many leagues, scoring is the second factor of rules for the table classification after points, not goal difference. Yes, you are reading correctly. This rule was implemented in 2016 to pursue a more 'attacking' style of play at the local level.
Usually, K League splits into two "playoff" groups. One for the 1st to 6th ranked teams, the other for the 7th to 12th. This split takes place after the 33rd round, as teams play five extra matches within their group. Since this season is compressed to only 27 games, the split will take place after the 22nd round.
The neutral fan will have plenty of interesting teams to choose from, as the K League offers a diverse range of clubs in terms of identity and tradition.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors is owned by a South Korean multinational motor company, Hyundai Motors. The team from the Southwestern city of Jeonju is the Korean version of Serie A side Juventus. Like Juve, Jeonbuk has won the most K League titles in the past decade, is owned by a car company, and also was involved in a match-fixing scandal back in 2016.
Head coach Jose Morais, who was in charge since last season, was Jose Mourinho's assistant in Chelsea and Real Madrid. The team is aiming to add another league trophy in their cabin. The never-ending 41-year-old striker Lee Dong-gook and Japanese-born forward Takahiro Kunimoto are ready to give 100% from themselves to make it happen.
Ulsan Hyundai
Ulsan Hyundai is another Hyundai-owned team who clinched the second-place last season, but this club is owned by Hyundai Heavy Industries, rather than the motors company. The 'Horang-i (Tiger)' was the best team in the league in the early 2000s, and is still one of the favourites to win the title.
Managed by former South Korean international striker, Kim Do-hoon, the team has made some exciting signings in the winter, including former Bolton Wanderers winger Lee Chung-yong and Norwegian international Bjorn Johnsen. The rivalry with Pohang Steelers is among South Korea's most fierce derby matches.
FC Seoul
FC Seoul is the only team from the capital that competes in the first tier. The club, however, is not originally from Seoul; they shifted their base back in 2004 from Anyang, a city located just Southwest of Seoul. Of course, the decision was not supported by fans. It has been almost 17 years since the move and yet there are still fans who chant against the club and their move to Seoul.
The club has claimed six league trophies so far, with the latest being back in 2016. Led by 2002 FIFA World Cup participant Choi Yong-soo and Spanish-born defender Osmar Barba. Former Arsenal striker Park Chu-young is another player that deserves attention.
Sangju Sangmu
Sangju Sangmu is what makes the K League more unique than other neighbouring leagues in its region. It is the 'army' team, consisting of only players who are in their military duty. Players are treated as loanees from clubs they are originally contracted to, unless they are unattached. If Son Heung-min had not won the Asian Games in 2018, he would've been 'loaned out' to this club.
Sangju might not be motivated well since its relegation status is already confirmed - because the club has decided to relocate its base from the 2021 season. According to the regulations, if a military club shifts its main base, it has to start the following season in K League 2 regardless of its final position. The Police team, which is now defunct, went through the same step. However, Kim Tae-wan, the manager, and his talented players are ready to proudly end the Sangju era and start fresh next year.
Suwon Samsung Bluewings
Suwon Samsung Bluewings are the Korean FA Cup holders and one of the most popular teams in K League. Despite the popularity, the club has been in decline for years. The club is owned by Samsung Group - yes, that Samsung - but the budget has decreased for the last five seasons. Winning the FA Cup last season meant a promising outcome. However, finishing 8th was not acceptable to fans. Because of that, Lee Im-seng, the former Home United head coach who is in charge since last season, is conceding a massive amount of criticism.
The club is keen to bring something new in this season with Adam Taggart, the current Socceroo player, and last season's top scorer with 20 goals; in addition to Yeom Ki-hun, the club captain. The match between Suwon and Seoul is named the 'Super Match', and it is the biggest football clash and derby K League has to offer.
Incheon United
This club is famous for having the most passionate fan base in the league. Although the club is relatively new (was founded in 2003), it has not lifted a single trophy and barely avoided relegation for five years. The fan dedication to this club is something which is rare to find in teams with such a poor record.
Owned by the city of Incheon, the club is aiming for a higher position with the newly appointed manager, Lim Wan-sup, replacing Yoo Sang-cheol who's currently fighting against pancreatic cancer. Former Hapoel Kfar Saba striker Lanre Kehinde and Montenegro international Stefan Mugosa are leading the attacking line.
While those are the leading six clubs, each club in the league has its own unique story and characteristics.
Pohang Steelers is famous for its Marine Corps supporters. Busan IPark is Hyundai Group's third team. Daegu FC has experienced tremendous success in the past two seasons; Gwangju FC is ready to rise up from the ashes with Costa Rican international Marco Urena; Seongnam FC, the Magpies, are hoping to restructure the 'Ilhwa' era. Finally, Gangwon FC is aiming for their first AFC Champions League ticket with tactically highly-rated head coach Kim Byung-soo.
This K League season is an interesting one. With the whole world potentially watching the games, it will be the first chance for a major East Asian football scene to showcase its talent for such a broad audience.
In normal days, Korean Ultras are known for not letting the team bus to leave the stadium and ask the head coach for an explanation on the poor run when the team's performance is declining. This act, referred to as '버막 (Beo-mak)' in Korean, has taken place with several teams and head coaches in the past. Suwon Samsung experienced it back in 2016, as last season, Seoul E-Land, the second-tier side, was the victim.
In the aforementioned sterile conditions, the league will kick-off this Friday - and it is interesting to predict when fans will be back, and which club will be the first to receive its 'Beo-mak' portion for the season.
