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The first current K League player on KLU's newly-launched K League Conversations Podcast. From Chiba via Madrid, Montenegro, Scandinavia, Romania, and Bulgaria to Bucheon, making his second K League United appearance, it's Bucheon FC 1995 midfielder Takahashi Kazuki, a key player in the Reds’ march to promotion in 2025. "Kazu," as he's known in K League, talks about Bucheon's historic promotion from K League 2 in 2025 and the team's start in K League 1, including the famous win over champions Jeonbuk in Round 1. 🍕 Proudly sponsored by ⁠Record Pizza⁠, find your nearest location ⁠here⁠, and in association with ⚽ ⁠TNT FC⁠! Where to Listen Where to Watch Part 1 - Promotion Part 2 - K League 1 so far 📺 Watch in full on ⁠Patreon.com/KLeagueUnited

Round 9 in K League 1 shifts the focus to a busy midweek slate, where momentum and squad depth begin to play an even bigger role. With teams looking to build on recent results or quickly turn things around, the condensed schedule adds extra pressure across the table. From in-form sides chasing consistency to others seeking a spark, this round could prove pivotal in shaping the early direction of the season. Match of the Round FC Anyang vs. Ulsan HD – both chasing back-to-back wins Round 9’s midweek fixtures see FC Anyang and Ulsan HD face off, with both sides looking to build on important victories last time out. Anyang ended a five-match winless run (three draws, two losses) with a 1-0 win over Pohang, while Ulsan produced a statement performance with a 5-1 victory against Gwangju. Anyang will aim to carry that momentum into a push up the table, while Ulsan need another win to keep pace with the league leaders. Matheus Oliveira has been at the heart of Anyang’s attack. The Brazilian has featured in every match this season, recording three goals and two assists to lead the team in both categories. His performances also earned him a nomination for the February–March Player of the Month award. His partnership with Choi Geon-ju, who scored the winner against Pohang, will be key once again. At the other end, goalkeeper Kim Jung-hoon has been a standout performer. Since joining the club this season, he ranks joint second in the league for both punches (11) and aerial claims (16), providing a steady presence between the posts. Anyang will also take confidence from recording their first clean sheet of the season in the win over Pohang, and will look to maintain that balance at both ends. Ulsan, currently second in the table, showcased their attacking firepower in Round 8 with five goals against Gwangju. Marcao was the standout, contributing two goals and one assist while combining physical presence with intelligent movement to influence both finishing and link-up play. With Yago Cariello (five goals) and Marcao (four) leading the line, Ulsan have scored 15 goals - the second-most in the league - and will look to carry that momentum forward. Last season’s meetings were closely contested, with Anyang holding a slight edge (two wins, one draw, one loss). Their first meeting of this campaign takes place on Tuesday, April 22 at 7:30 PM at Anyang Sports Complex. Watch live on K League TV. Team of the Round Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors aiming to close the gap Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (third, 12 points) were held to a 1-1 draw against Gangwon FC in Round 8, leaving them four points behind second-placed Ulsan. With the gap widening, Jeonbuk will be extra determined to secure all three points this round to stay within touching distance of the top. They showed strong attacking efficiency against Gangwon, though, registering seven shots on target from 14 attempts. However, they were unable to convert key chances, highlighting an area for improvement. Their success this round may hinge on sharper finishing inside the box. Defensively, Jeonbuk have been relatively solid. Aside from conceding in their opening match against Bucheon, they have kept opponents to fewer than two goals in every game, ranking third in the league for goals conceded (seven). Maintaining the stability of their back four - Kim Tae-hwan, Cho Wi-je, Kim Young-bin, and Choi Woo-jin - could provide the platform for improved attacking output. Jeonbuk face Incheon in Round 9, with kickoff set for Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 PM at Jeonju World Cup Stadium. Watch live with English commentary on K League TV. Player of the Round Daejeon's difference-maker Yu Kang-hyun Daejeon ended their three-match losing streak with a 1-0 away win over FC Seoul in Round 8, with Yu Kang-hyun scoring the decisive goal. Daejeon have struggled for goals this season, scoring more than once in just one match - their 3-1 win over Incheon in Round 4. With last season’s top scorer Joo Min-kyu (14 goals, three assists) yet to find the net, Yu stepped up to deliver when it mattered most against Seoul. Making his first start of the season, Yu marked the occasion with a goal and made a strong impression. Beyond his finish, he contributed with active movement in the final third, helping to drive the team’s attacking play. If given more opportunities, he could provide a valuable option in Daejeon’s frontline. Daejeon face Jeju SK this round. They held the upper hand in last season’s meetings (two wins, one draw), and will look to build on that record. Their first encounter of the season takes place on Tuesday, April 22 at 7:30 PM at Daejeon World Cup Stadium. Watch live with English commentary on K League TV. via K League press release 2026 K League 1 Round 9 Fixtures Tuesday 21st April Gimcheon Sangmu vs. Gangwon FC - 19:30 FC Seoul vs. Bucheon FC 1995 - 19:30 [ENG] Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors vs. Incheon United - 19:30 [ENG] Wednesday 22nd April Daejeon Hana Citizen vs. Jeju SK - 19:30 [ENG] FC Anyang vs. Ulsan HD - 19:30 Pohang Steelers vs. Gwangju FC - 19:00 [ENG] Where to Watch Watch live on TV.KLeague.com, English commentary provided where indicated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by K LEAGUE International (@kleagueintl.official)

In our first episode of our newest K League United Podcast K League Conversations, Matthew Binns sits down with TNT FC CEO Kim Taeryung, Introducing K League Conversations, A K League United Podcast dedicated to hearing from and showcasing interviews with players, club officials, media and more in order to get a more insightful picture into K League. Our first guest is the CEO of TNT FC, Kim Taeryung. A former K League player himself, Kim's involvement in TNT FC has helped see the K5 League team develop into one of Korea's more unique clubs, where talent comes to train and develop to keep these players within football. View this post on Instagram A post shared by K League United (@kleagueunited) After winning the K5 League last season, in addition to the prestigious Club of the Year from the Korea Football Association, Kim talks us through the season ahead and the club's position in Korean football. Where to Listen

The Back Post Episode 8: media reaction to K League 1 Round 7, including FC Seoul "fighting as one to break nine-year Jeonbuk Sangam jinx, " a "completely different original monster Marcao" following weightloss, Kim Dae-won opening his "scoring vein" to become Gangwon record breaker, plus much more, including TNT Corner with news of their new kits for the 2026 season! 🍕 Proudly sponsored by ⁠Record Pizza⁠, find your nearest location ⁠here⁠, and in association with ⚽ ⁠TNT FC⁠! Where to Listen Where to Watch TNT Corner View this post on Instagram A post shared by 양천구 TNT FOOTBALL CLUB (@tnt_fc)

Lucky Round 7 for some, not for others! Paul, Matt, and Alex look back at the late drama in 2026 K League 1 Round 7 before looking ahead to Round 8. In this week's episode of From Outside The Box, FC Seoul's last-gasp win over Jeonbuk, Ulsan HD's dramatic late win over Incheon United, Gimcheon Sangmu's late draw at home to FC Anyang, as well as Gangwon FC making light work of a struggling Daejeon Hana Citizen. Plus! A look ahead to the pick of the action in Round 8, the four English commentary matches: FC Seoul vs. Daejeon Hana Citizen, Bucheon FC 1995 vs. Incheon United, Ulsan HD vs. Gwangju FC, and Pohang Steelers vs. FC Anyang 🍕 Proudly sponsored by ⁠Record Pizza⁠, find your nearest location ⁠here⁠, and in association with ⚽ ⁠TNT FC⁠! 📺 Watch in full on ⁠Patreon.com/KLeagueUnited Where to Listen

The Back Post: A K League United Podcast. This latest episode looks at the media reaction and major stories from K League 1 Round 7. Dominating the headlines this week includes Stefan Mugosa firing Incheon United to their first home win of the season, Jeonbuk beating Ulsan in the 'Hyundai Family Derby', and Pohang making it back-to-back wins with a 1-0 victory at home to a floundering Daejeon. 🍕 Proudly sponsored by Record Pizza, follow on Instagram, and TNT FC. Where to Listen 📺 Watch in full on Patreon

K League 1 returns in full this weekend following the March international break, and does so with some matches between rivals. FC Anyang host FC Seoul looking for their first-ever home win over the capital club, winless Jeju SK face Bucheon FC 1995 in K League 1 for the first time, and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors entertain Ulsan HD in the so-called 'Hyundai Family Derby.' Match of the Round FC Anyang seek to halt slide against leaders FC Seoul K League 1 returns this weekend following the international break, with FC Anyang hosting early pace-setters FC Seoul in Round 6. Anyang head into the contest without a win in their last three matches (D1 L2) but will hope a return to home turf can spark a change in fortunes. Despite their recent struggles, there have been encouraging signs in attack. They boast the division’s highest shots-on-target ratio, with 22 of their 44 attempts testing the goalkeeper (50%). Matheus Oliveira has been central to their forward play, scoring three goals in five appearances, while defender Thomas Oude Kotte has impressed at the back. As well as providing defensive stability, his left-footed distribution has helped launch attacks, and his willingness to carry the ball forward offers an additional outlet. Seoul, by contrast, have made a flawless start to the campaign, winning their opening four matches to sit top of the table. Their attacking strength was underlined in a 5-0 victory over Gwangju last time out, with seven players named in the Team of the Round. Defender Juan Antonio Ros has played a key role in their recent run, combining a 91.5% pass completion rate with a growing goal threat, scoring twice in his last four matches. The sides were evenly matched last season, sharing one win each and a draw in their three meetings. A similarly tight contest could be in store here, with Anyang (50%) and Seoul (48.9%) ranked first and second in shots-on-target ratio—suggesting that efficiency in front of goal may prove decisive. The match will be played at Anyang Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off at 14:00 local time. Watch live with English commentary on TV.KLeague.com Team of the Round Jeju SK still searching for first win Jeju SK remain without a win this season after conceding a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Gangwon FC in Round 5. That result extended their winless run to five matches (D2 L3) and highlighted a recurring issue. While Jeju lead the league in both clearances (177) and blocks (100), they have conceded in every game except their opener against Gwangju. Centre back Julien Célestine, a new arrival this season, has started all five matches and completed every minute so far. Building a stronger defensive understanding with Kim Geon-ung and Kim Jae-woo will be key if Jeju are to improve at the back. Their hopes this weekend may ultimately depend on greater attacking output. Jeju have scored just three goals in five matches, placing added pressure on Nam Tae-hee, Shin Sang-eun and Kim Shin-jin to deliver. Cho In-jeong, who scored from full-back in the previous round, could again offer an attacking threat from deep. Jeju host Bucheon FC 1995 on Saturday at 14:00 in what will be the clubs’ first meeting in K League 1. Jeju won all three of their previous encounters in K League 2 in 2020. Watch live on TV.KLeague.com Player of the Round Lee Dong-jun leads Jeonbuk resurgence Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have climbed to third in the table after securing back-to-back wins, recovering from a winless start to the season (D2 L1). Lee Dong-jun has been central to that turnaround, scoring three goals in the opening five matches. He netted twice on the opening day against Bucheon and followed up with the decisive goal in a win over Daejeon in Round 5. Despite not being known as a physical player, Lee has shown strength in aerial duels, while his pace and movement in behind have added variety to Jeonbuk’s attack. His most productive K League 1 campaign came in 2021 with Ulsan, when he recorded 11 goals and four assists in 32 appearances. With three goals already this season, he is on course to challenge that return. Jeonbuk face Ulsan on Saturday at 14:00 at Jeonju World Cup Stadium, having won two of their three meetings last season. Watch live with English commentary on TV.KLeague.com 2026 K League 1 Round 6 Fixtures Saturday 4th April Jeju SK vs. Bucheon FC 1995 - 14:00 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors vs. Ulsan HD - 14:00 [ENG] Pohang Steelers vs. Daejeon Hana Citizen - 16:30 [ENG] Gangwon FC vs. Gwangju FC - 16:30 Sunday 5th April FC Anyang vs. FC Seoul - 14:00 [ENG] Incheon United vs. Gimcheon Sangmu - 16:30 [ENG] via K League press release Where to Watch Watch live on TV.KLeague.com, English commentary provided where indicated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by K LEAGUE International (@kleagueintl.official) KLU Pod | From Outside The Box: 5 Teams after 5 Rounds + Round 6 Preview

Fear not, K League continues this weekend throughout the international break. The second tier reaches Round 5 with plenty of intriguing match-ups. Match of the Round Promotion hopefuls Suwon FC take on high-flying newcomers Paju New side Paju Frontier come into this round after back-to-back victories over Ansan Greeners and Jeonnam Dragons. Suwon FC have also started strongly with three straight wins, setting up what should be a tightly contested clash. Suwon FC had a rest in Round 4, potentially giving Park Kun-ha's side a physical edge. They’ve scored nine and conceded three in three matches, showing solid balance at both ends. Matheus Frizzo has emerged as the key man, with Willian, Ha Jeong-woo, and Matheus Babi providing support. Their build-up play, switching smoothly between a back three and back four led by Derlan and Lee Hyeon-yong, is another strength. In Round 3 against Gimhae FC 2008, they underlined their winning mentality with a last-gasp winner. Paju’s strength lies in their efficiency. They press with a compact defence and look to exploit gaps, a formula that has brought them consistent results. They beat Jeonnam 2-0 in Round 4 in a similar fashion. The centre back pairing of Kim Hyun-tae and Julián Bonilla has been solid, while Hong Jeong-un has impressed in midfield. Goalkeeper Kim Min-seung has also stood out with key saves, and Borja Bastón has made his presence felt in attack with goals in back-to-back games. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides. The match takes place on Sunday 29th at 2 PM at Suwon Sports Complex. Team of the Round Bluewings eye five straight wins Suwon Bluewings were tipped as title contenders before the season and have lived up to expectations early on. They’ve beaten Seoul E-Land, Paju Frontier, Jeonnam Dragons, and Gimhae FC 2008 to record their first-ever four-game winning start. Their biggest strength is stability. With eight goals scored and just one conceded in four matches, they’ve been strong at both ends. The defence, led by Hong Jeong-ho and Song Ju-hun, has been rock solid, while the midfield options, Jeong Ho-yeon, Park Hyun-bin, Ko Seung-beom, and Kim Min-woo, offer depth and control. Up front, they have a variety of attacking combinations. That strength was on full display in the Round 4 win over Gimhae. The defence and goalkeeper Kim Jun-hong were watertight, while the midfield trio of Jeong Ho-yeon and Park Hyun-bin, later joined by substitute Ko Seung-beom, controlled the game. In attack, Reis, Kim Ji-hyun, and Bruno Silva all contributed, while substitutes Stanislav Iljucenko and Fessin added further quality. Suwon look watertight in every department, from squad depth to tactical flexibility. They now travel to Yongin aiming for a fifth straight win on Saturday 28th at 2 PM at Yongin Mireu Stadium. Player of the Round Busan’s attacking force Cristian Renato Busan continue their strong start to the season with three wins and a draw. After finishing eighth last year, head coach Jo Sung-hwan’s switch to a back four looks to be an inspired decision. Busan lead the league in goals with 10 in four matches, and at the heart of it all is Cristian Renato. A former Brazilian Serie A player, Cristian joined Busan this season and has made an immediate impact. Starting with a goal against Seongnam FC in Round 1, he has recorded attacking returns in all four matches. He already has three goals and three assists, accounting for over half of the team’s goals. Strong in the air, mobile, direct, and hardworking, he has been one of the league’s standout performers. His influence was clear again in the Round 4 win over Daegu FC. Starting the match, he scored the winner in the 68th minute with a powerful long-range strike and registered three shots on target, underlining his clinical edge. Once again, he showed he can change a game in an instant. Busan, chasing a fourth straight win, travel to Chungbuk Cheongju this round. Although still winless, Cheongju have drawn three straight matches since their opening-day defeat, showing resilience and clear structure in their play. The match takes place on Sunday the 29th at 2 PM at Cheongju Sports Complex. 2026 K League 2 Round 5 Fixtures Saturday 28th March Yongin FC vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings - 14:00 Chungnam Asan vs. Hwaseong FC - 14:00 Seongnam FC vs. Gimpo FC - 16:30 Cheonan City vs. Jeonnam Dragons- 16:30 Ansan Greeners vs. Gyeongnam FC - 16:30 Sunday 29th March Chungbuk Cheongju vs. Busan IPark - 14:00 Suwon FC vs. Paju Citizen FC - 14:00 Daegu FC vs. Seoul E-Land - 16:30 via K League press release Where to Watch Watch all games live for free on TV.KLeague.com.

From Outside The Box continues with the shorter-than-usual offering due to the midweek matches. Paul & Alex give short roundups of the three matches they covered in midweek on commentary for K League TV. Paul and Alex recap the pick of the Round 4 action, the first midweek set of fixtures of the 2026 K League 1 season. Both Daejeon Hana Citizen and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors got their first wins of the new season, and there was late drama in Gimcheon, where the army side earned a late draw. Where to Listen About the Podcast From Outside The Box is a relaxed, insight-driven podcast from K League United, proudly sponsored by Record Pizza and TNT FC. Join K League TV commentators Matthew Binns, Paul Neat, and Alex Jensen as they draw from their weekly notes, observations, and offer peeks into their behind-the-scenes experiences from the commentary box to break down K League 1, offering honest opinions, tactical talk, and real stories from outside the commentary box, every week. The first few episodes of this new initiative will also be available on The K League United Podcast stream before switching over to the new channels which you can find below: Listen and Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You can also follow on Instagram.

Round 5 of the 2026 K League 1 season sees teams looking to protect their perfect starts to the season with FC Seoul hosting Gwangju FC and Ulsan HD taking on Gimcheon, as well as others looking to build on their first wins in a huge, early-season clash of the title contenders when Daejeon Hana Citizen host Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Match of the Round Daejeon and Jeonbuk both chasing momentum Round 5 sees Daejeon Hana Citizen take on Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, just a month on from their Super Cup meeting ahead of the new season. Both sides come into this clash on the back of their first league wins of the campaign, secured in midweek in Round 4, and will be keen to build on that renewed momentum. Daejeon ended a run of three consecutive draws at the start of the season with a 3-1 victory over Incheon United last time out. Masatoshi Ishida, Diogo Oliveira and Um Won-sang all opened their accounts for the season, with Um particularly influential after coming off the bench in the 77th minute to register a goal and an assist. Seo Jin-su, the team’s leading scorer with two goals, also added to his tally of attacking contributions by setting up Masa’s opener. Daejeon currently lead the league in successful dribbles (14), underlining their strength in one-on-one attacking situations. Their dynamic forward line, led by Seo Jin-soo, João Victor and Um Won-sang, is expected to play a key role once again. Jeonbuk, meanwhile, also claimed their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Anyang. Bruno Mota struck a dramatic late winner in the 86th minute against his former club, while Lee Seung-woo impressed with his lively dribbling. In midfield, Oberdan, Kim Jin-gyu and Maeng Seong-ung provided composure and control. Jeonbuk have boasted the highest pass completion rate in the league this season (87.9%), allowing them to dominate possession and dictate matches. With the pressure of securing that first win now lifted, they will be confident of pushing on. Jeonbuk held the upper hand in last season’s meetings between the sides, recording three wins and a draw, and also ran out 2–0 winners in this season’s Super Cup. With both teams now up and running, this fixture could prove an early turning point in shaping their campaigns. The match takes place at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on Saturday at 2 PM, and has English commentary. Watch live on K League TV [ENG]: here Team of the Round Ulsan HD following three wins from three Ulsan HD continued their perfect start with a 2-0 win over Jeju SK in midweek, making it three consecutive victories to open the season. After scoring 42 goals and conceding 50 across 38 matches last season, Ulsan have shown far greater balance this term, with seven goals scored and just two conceded in their opening three games. Yago Cariello has been the standout performer, netting four of the team’s seven goals to lead the scoring charts, while last season’s K League 1 MVP Lee Dong-gyeong has contributed one goal and two assists, registering attacking returns in all three matches so far. If the pair maintain this form, more goals are likely to follow. Defensively, Ulsan have deployed a back four featuring Choi Seok-hyeon and Cho Hyun-taek out wide, with Kim Young-gwon, Lee Jae-ik and Jung Seung-hyun centrally. Jung Seung-hyun, making his first start of the season against Jeju, impressed with a solid display and a goal. However, Kim Young-gwon was forced off with an injury in that match, leaving his availability in doubt. Maintaining defensive cohesion, likely centred around Lee Jae-ik and Jung Seung-hyun, will be crucial to sustaining their winning run. Ulsan face Gimcheon Sangmu in Round 5, with the match scheduled for Sunday at 2 PM at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium. Watch live on K League TV: here Player of the Round Cho Young-wook has found his scoring touch FC Seoul made it three wins from three with a 1-0 victory over Pohang in Round 4, with Cho Young-wook scoring the decisive goal. Having opened his account on the opening day against Incheon, Cho has carried that momentum into the early part of the season. Notably, all four of his shots so far have been on target, yielding two goals, a testament to his clinical finishing. Now in his ninth professional season since debuting in 2018, Cho’s best K League 1 return to date is eight goals in 36 appearances (2021). On current form, he looks well placed to surpass that mark this season. Seoul face Gwangju next, having won two of their three meetings last season. The match will be played on Sunday at 2 PM at Seoul World Cup Stadium and will have English commentary. Watch live on K League TV [ENG]: here 2026 K League 1 Round 5 Fixtures Saturday 21st March Daejeon Hana Citizen vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors - 14:00 [ENG] Sunday 22nd March FC Seoul vs. Gwangju FC - 14:00 [ENG] Ulsan HD vs. Gimcheon Sangmu - 14:00 FC Anyang vs. Incheon United - 16:30 Gangwon FC vs. Jeju SK - 16:30 Pohang Steelers vs. Bucheon FC 1995 - 16:30 [ENG] Via K League press release Where to Watch Watch live on TV.KLeague.com, English commentary provided where indicated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by K LEAGUE International (@kleagueintl.official)

The first midweek action of the 2026 K League 1 season sees seven teams go in search of their first wins of the season, including Incheon United at home to Daejeon Hana Citizen and Gimcheon Sangmu hosting Gwangju FC. Match of the Round Pohang eye first win as FC Seoul chase third straight victory Round 4 sees Pohang Steelers take on FC Seoul. Pohang currently sit ninth after drawing their opening two matches, while Seoul are second in the table after back-to-back league wins. In the last 10 meetings between the sides, Pohang hold a slight edge with three wins, five draws and two defeats. They also had the upper hand last season, recording two wins, one draw and one loss. Pohang have drawn both of their opening games and are still searching for their first victory of the season. This year they have shown to be aggressive with their press, posting a 50% tackle success rate in the attacking third. They have also performed well in aerial duels in attacking areas, with a success rate of 56.2%. However, they have lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. FC Seoul, meanwhile, claimed a dramatic 2-1 win over Jeju SK in Round 3, with Lee Seung-mo scoring the winner just before full time to secure their second consecutive K League victory of the season. The capital side have been efficient in attack, registering 26 shots and 13 on target across their first two matches. Their crossing success rate of 26.3% ranks second in the league, highlighting their strong wing play. Wide players such as Song Min-kyu, Moon Seon-min and Jung Seung-won have been particularly influential. New signing Song Min-kyu has made an immediate impact, recording one goal and one assist in two appearances. Having previously thrived under head coach Kim Gi-dong at Pohang, Song has quickly established himself at Seoul as well. The match will take place on Wednesday 18th March at 7:30 PM KST at Pohang Steel Yard. Watch live on K League TV: here Team of the Round Incheon target revenge for first win of the season Incheon United ended a run of defeats with a 1-1 draw away to Pohang in Round 3. Having earned a valuable point on the road, they now return home looking to claim their first win of the campaign. Incheon showed attacking intent in their previous two matches, recording 17 shots against Gwangju in Round 2 and 11 against Pohang in Round 3. However, they were left frustrated after failing to convert key chances. Stefan Mugosa has been in strong form, registering two goals and one assist, contributing an attacking return in every match so far. New arrivals Oh Hu-seong and Seo Jae-min have also shown promise in attack. If Gerso Fernandes and Park Seung-ho rediscover their scoring touch, Incheon could be capable of producing a high-scoring performance in this round. Defensively, however, Incheon have looked vulnerable. They conceded two goals against Seoul in Round 1, three against Gwangju in Round 2 and one against Pohang in Round 3. In each of their three matches they have allowed at least four shots inside the penalty area, meaning defensive concentration in front of goal will be crucial if they are to secure a win this week. Incheon face Daejeon in Round 4, the team that condemned them to relegation in Round 37 of the 2024 season. The match is scheduled for Wednesday 18th March at 7:30 PM at Incheon Football Stadium. Watch live on K League TV with English commentary: here Player of the Round Gimcheon Sangmu's defensive marshal, Lee Jung-taek Gimcheon Sangmu extended their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-1 draw against Daejeon in Round 3, making it three consecutive draws. Central defender Lee Jung-taek was a standout performer, delivering an excellent display at both ends of the pitch. After producing a composed performance against Jeonbuk in Round 2 that earned him a place in the Round’s Best XI, Lee once again impressed in Round 3 against his parent club Daejeon. Facing physically strong foreign forwards such as Gustav Ludwigson and Diogo Oliveira, Lee held his own by recording three successful aerial duels, six blocks and eight clearances. A versatile player capable of operating as a defensive midfielder, centre-back or full-back, Lee also contributed going forward. In the 41st minute, he provided the assist for Lee Geon-hee’s opening goal. He further underlined his influence with 10 successful passes into the attacking third and 19 successful forward passes. Gimcheon face Gwangju in this round. Last season, Gimcheon recorded two draws and one defeat in three meetings with Gwangju. Attention will be on whether Lee Jung-taek can help his side break that winless run. The match will be played on Tuesday 17th March at 7:30 PM at Gimcheon Sports Complex Stadium. Watch live on K League TV with English commentary: here 2026 K League 1 Round 4 Fixtures Tuesday 17th March Gimcheon Sangmu vs. Gwangju FC - 19:30 [ENG] Wednesday 18th March Bucheon FC 1995 vs. Gangwon FC - 7:30 PM Incheon United vs. Daejeon Hana Citizen - 7:30 PM [ENG] Jeju SK vs. Ulsan HD - 7:30 PM Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors vs. FC Anyang 7:30 PM [ENG] Pohang Steelers vs. FC Seoul 7:30 PM Where to Watch Watch live on TV.KLeague.com, English commentary provided where indicated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by K LEAGUE International (@kleagueintl.official)

The 2026 K League 2 season continues this weekend with a clash between two promotion favourites in Suwon Bluewings and Jeonnam Dragons, Busan IPark face Seoul E-Land, and Daegu FC host Chungnam Asan in what's expected to be an action-packed Round 3. Match of the Round: Early Promotion Test Both Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Jeonnam Dragons have produced impressive performances in the opening weeks of the season. Suwon have made the expected strong start with two consecutive victories, while Jeonnam showed their resilience despite suffering defeat in Round 2 following a dominant opening-day win. The outcome of this encounter could offer an early indication of the balance of power in K League 2. Suwon claimed a 2-1 victory over Seoul E-Land in Round 1 before edging Paju Frontier 1-0 in Round 2 to maintain their perfect start. However, the win over Paju was not without difficulties. Suwon struggled at times against Paju’s well-organised defensive structure and counterattacks, and found themselves having to dig in to defend several dangerous opportunities. One positive was the performance of new signing Jeong Ho-yeon, who impressed after coming off the bench and brought stability to the midfield. Bruno Silva also demonstrated his potential as an attacking option for manager Lee Jung-hyo, underlining Suwon’s overall strength. Jeonnam, meanwhile, followed up their emphatic 4-1 opening-day win against Gyeongnam FC with a 4-2 defeat to Daegu in Round 2. Despite the loss, the side displayed a clear attacking identity. Jeong Ji-yong’s pace and the presence of Honan in attack were particularly notable, while Valdivia contributed with an assist. However, Jeonnam struggled to respond to Daegu’s substitutions and conceded two goals in similar fashion to Edgar. With Suwon also boasting several players capable of decisive individual moments, how Jeonnam adapt defensively will be crucial. Suwon have dominated the recent head-to-head record, winning four and drawing two of the teams’ last six meetings over the past two years. However, with both clubs under new management, their first meeting under the current coaches could produce a different dynamic. Suwon and Jeonnam meet on Saturday, 14 March at 2:00 PM at Suwon World Cup Stadium. Team of the Round: Busan IPark Busan IPark secured an impressive 3-1 victory away to Ansan in Round 2, scoring two dramatic late goals. The result was even more striking, considering Ansan had opened their season with a 4-1 win. Busan adopted a significantly different tactical approach compared with last season, firing 27 shots at the Ansan goal on their way to claiming all three points. The key to Busan’s attacking improvement has been a shift in formation. Last year, they relied largely on a three-centre-back system focused on defensive stability, but this season they have lined up with a back four in both of their opening matches. Jang Ho-ik and Woo Joo-sung have anchored the defence, while the full-backs have been encouraged to push forward and support the attack. In midfield, Lee Dong-su has taken on defensive duties while Kim Min-hyuk has provided creativity in orchestrating attacks. New signing Cristian Renato has also made an immediate impact, scoring in both of his first two matches. If additional attacking options such as Gabriel and Baek Ga-on continue to regain match fitness, Busan’s attacking threat could grow even further. Busan, now embracing a more attacking style, travel to face Seoul E-Land in this round. The two teams were evenly matched last season, with one win each and one draw. Notably, the three matches produced a combined total of 12 goals, suggesting another high-scoring contest could be on the cards. Busan face Seoul E-Land on Saturday, 14 March at 2:00 PM at Mokdong Stadium. Player of the Round: Daegu FC's Edgar Daegu FC have opened the season with back-to-back home victories. Their momentum grew even stronger after a thrilling 4-2 comeback win over Jeonnam in Round 2, with substitute Edgar playing a decisive role. The two sides were level at 2–2 at halftime before Daegu head coach Kim Byung-soo made a bold decision at the start of the second half. He introduced Edgar in place of left midfielder Park Gi-hyeon in an attacking change that proved crucial. Edgar delivered the breakthrough, scoring twice in quick succession in the 70th and 76th minutes to secure a 4-2 victory for Daegu. Both goals highlighted the Brazilian striker’s aerial dominance. One came from a powerful header, while the other was a deft redirection that required only a slight touch to guide the ball into the net. Edgar also demonstrated his overall influence by winning seven of his nine aerial duels. He attempted five shots in total, four of which were on target, showcasing his clinical finishing. In recognition of his performance, Edgar was named the season’s first Round MVP. Daegu, aiming for a third consecutive victory, travel to face Chungnam Asan in this round. Chungnam Asan defeated Paju 3-2 in their opening match before sitting out Round 2. The match will take place on Sunday, 15 March at Yi Sun-sin Stadium in Asan. 2026 K League 2 Round 3 Fixtures Saturday 14th March Gimhae FC 2008 vs. Suwon FC - 2:00 PM Seoul E-Land vs. Busan IPark - 2:00 PM Suwon Samsung Bluewings vs. Jeonnam Dragons - 2:00 PM Yongin FC vs. Gimpo FC - 4:30 PM Gyeongnam FC vs. Chungbuk Cheongju - 4:30 PM Sunday 15th March Chungnam Asan vs. Daegu FC - 2:00 PM Ansan Greeners vs. Paju Frontier - 2:00 PM Hwaseong FC vs. Cheonan City - 4:30 PM Where to Watch Watch all matches live on TV.KLeague.com.

In Round 2 of the Hana Bank K League 1 season, unbeaten Gwangju FC take on yet-to-win Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, unbeaten Bucheon FC 1995 host a returning-to-action Ulsan HD, yet-to-win but still unbeaten Daejeon Hana Citizen entertain Gimcheon Sangmu, while Pohang Steelers welcome Incheon United to the Steel Yard for their home opener in what will be seen as the pick of the action. Match of the Round: Unbeaten Start vs. Yet to Win Gwangju FC vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors In Round 3, unbeaten Gwangju FC will face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, who are still looking for their first win of the season. In the last five meetings between the two teams, though, Jeonbuk hold the advantage with two wins, two draws, and one loss. Home side Gwangju currently have a record of one win and one draw. In Round 1 against Jeju SK, they failed to secure victory despite having a man advantage after Italo's red card. However, in Round 2 against Incheon United, they found the back of the net three times, first through Choi Kyung-rok, followed by and a brace from Shin Chang-mu. Thanks to a penalty save by goalkeeper Kim Kyeong-min just before the final whistle and deep into added time, Gwangju secured a 3–2 win. Shin Chang-mu has been particularly impressive this season, recording two goals and five key passes and playing a central role in the team’s attack under new head coach Lee Jung-kyu. Gwangju will be aiming to maintain their early momentum, despite hosting last season's champions. Jeonbuk, on the other hand, have had a somewhat sluggish start to the season. They lost 3-2 at home to Bucheon FC 1995 in Round 1 and drew 1-1 with Gimcheon Sangmu in Round 2, meaning they are still searching for their first win of the season. Having conceded goals in both matches, defensive stability seems to be an issue following key departures from the back line. On a positive note, Lee Dong-jun has scored two goals this season, starting the new season as he ended the last. Midfielder Maeng Seong-ung has also been active on both ends of the pitch, recording a 93.9% pass success rate and 13 successful tackles. Jeonbuk will be looking to turn their early-season form around by claiming their first victory of the season. Both teams began the new season under new head coaches, making this the first meeting between Gwangju’s Lee Jung-kyu and Jeonbuk’s Chung Jung-yong. Watch live with English commentary: here Team of the Round: Rebellious Bucheon Bucheon FC 1995 drew 1–1 with Daejeon Hana Citizen in Round 2. After defeating defending champions Jeonbuk 3-2 on their K League 1 bow, they followed it up with apoint against last season’s runners-up Daejeon. Bucheon have been steadily collecting points with impressive performances early in their first season after promotion. The player leading Bucheon’s rise is Jefferson Galego. After registering two goals and one assist in the opening match, Galego also converted a penalty against Daejeon, bringing his tally to three goals and one assist in just two games. Last season, he scored six and assisted four in 28 K League 2 matches, including the promotion playoffs. This season in K League 1, he has shown even sharper attacking ability, raising expectations for a career-best year. Defensively, veteran Baek Dong-gyu anchors the back line, forming a compact defensive block with Hong Sung-wook and Patrick William, demonstrating solid organization. Veteran midfielder Yoon Bit-garam, who joined Bucheon this season, has also quickly integrated into the team and is contributing both offensively and defensively. With a strong team structure early in the season, Bucheon are determined to continue their unbeaten run in this round as well. This weekend they host Ulsan HD. Watch live with English commentary: here Player of the Round: Debut Goal Tranziska Pohang Steelers earned a point with a 1-1 draw against Gimcheon in the season opener. In that match, Jakob Tranziska stood out by scoring on his K League debut, signaling a promising season ahead. Tranziska is a forward standing at 189 cm tall, and despite being only 23 years old, he has experience of playing several European leagues, including Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, before joining Pohang this season. Coming on as a substitute in the second half against Gimcheon, Tranziska energized Pohang's attack with his work rate and link-up play, and scored a point-securing equalizer in the 55th minute. Tranziska is a versatile attacker capable of playing both as a central striker and as a winger. With Jorge Teixeira sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Tranziska’s quick adaptation has become a major boost for manager Park Tae-ha. Strong in duels and with bold dribbling, Tranziska will be one to watch this weekend. Watch live with English commentary: here 2026 K League 1 Round 3 Fixtures Gwangju FC vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors - Saturday, March 14, 2:00 PM [ENG] Daejeon Hana Citizen vs. Gimcheon Sangmu - Saturday, March 14, 4:30 PM [ENG] Bucheon FC 1995 vs. Ulsan HD - Sunday, March 15, 2:00 PM [ENG] Jeju SK vs. FC Seoul - Sunday, March 15, 2:00 PM Gangwon FC vs. FC Anyang - Sunday, March 15, 4:30 PM Pohang Steelers vs. Incheon United - Sunday, March 15, 4:30 PM [ENG] via K League press release Where to Watch Watch live on TV.KLeague.com, English commentary provided where indicated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by K LEAGUE International (@kleagueintl.official)

The drama continued into Round 2 of the 2026 K League 1 season with more late goals. There were some surprise results, some of which may mean a reevaluation of the season predictions. This week's From Outside The Box takes a look at the pick of the action from the second match week of the season and previews Round 3. Paul, Matt, and Alex are back from the commentary box to talk about how their commentary prep and approach have changed over the last few years, and the pros and cons of attempting to go paper-free. They recap the pick of the action from 2026 K League 1 Round 2, following plenty of late drama and some surprising results for teams that had been written off by some. Gwangju FC survived a late, late Incheon United penalty to seal their first win of the season, Gimcheon Sangmu earned a very credible draw at home to champions Jeonbuk, Bucheon FC 1995 remain unbeaten following a 1-1 draw at home to title contenders Daejeon Hana Citizen, and FC Anyang left it very late to earn a home win over Jeju SK. Attention then turns to Round 3 with Daejeon hosting Gimcheon, Gwangju taking on Jeonbuk, Pohang Steelers back in action against Incheon, and Ulsan returning to the field to travel to Bucheon. Where to Listen About the Podcast From Outside The Box is a relaxed, insight-driven podcast from K League United, proudly sponsored by Record Pizza and TNT FC. Join K League TV commentators Matthew Binns, Paul Neat, and Alex Jensen as they draw from their weekly notes, observations, and offer peeks into their behind-the-scenes experiences from the commentary box to break down K League 1, offering honest opinions, tactical talk, and real stories from outside the commentary box, every week. The first few episodes of this new initiative will also be available on The K League United Podcast stream before switching over to the new channels which you can find below: Listen and Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You can also follow on Instagram.

In Round 2 of the 2026 K League 2 season, there's a first meeting in nearly eight years between Daegu FC and Jeonnam Dragons, with both teams looking to build on Round 1 wins, Ansan Greeners take on Busan IPark in their home opener with the aim of continuing their hot start, while Suwon FC take om newcomers Yongin FC. Match of the Round Daegu FC vs. Jeonnam Dragons These two teams meet again after quite some time. Daegu FC and Jeonnam Dragons, who both secured three points in their opening matches, will face each other for the first time since 2018. As both sides were considered contenders for the upper half of the table before the season began, this clash could have a significant impact on the early standings. Daegu defeated Hwaseong 1–0 in their season opener. However, their overall performance still looked like a work in progress. Under head coach Kim Byung-soo, the team showed defensive stability with a back four, but aside from the goal, their attacking buildup lacked some precision. Cesinha was not yet at full fitness, and Park Dae-hoon’s injury is another concern. On the positive side, a new attacking route utilizing Matheus Serafim appeared promising. Hwang Jae-won’s aggressive overlapping runs from the right flank also created dangerous situations. Jeonnam enjoyed an impressive opening match by defeating Gyeongnam 4–1. The game’s flow was heavily influenced by an early red card for the opposing goalkeeper just five minutes into the first half, giving Jeonnam a numerical advantage for most of the contest. Their attacking pattern of quickly exploiting open space proved highly effective. Choi Han-sol and Yoon Min-ho provided balance in midfield, while Valdivia supplied creative passes for Kim Beom-su and Jeong Ji-yong to finish with their pace. If they can maintain the same level of attacking sharpness shown in the opener, Jeonnam could emerge as a serious promotion contender this season. There is also strong interest in the matchup between Cesinha and Valdivia, the symbolic leaders of their respective teams. Each wears the captain’s armband and plays a major role in guiding his team. The duel between these two aces could have a major influence on the flow of the match. Team of the Round Ansan Greeners (vs. Busan IPark) Ansan Greeners, who finished bottom of the table last season, surprised everyone in their opening match. They delivered a powerful start by defeating Gimhae 4–1 away from home. It was Ansan’s first opening-day victory since 2020, and scoring four goals in a single match marks only the third time in the club’s history. The performance of their new foreign players was particularly notable. In defense, Milan Obradovic and Tim Hartzell managed the game with stability, while in attack, Marlon stood out with his directness. Substitute Jung Hyun-woo’s two goals were also a major positive. Even after conceding the opening goal, the Green Wolves did not lose composure and controlled the game through sharp passing play, showing a clear difference from last season. While the team previously tended to focus on defense, their more proactive style of play in this opener was especially impressive. In Round 2, Ansan will face Busan. Busan drew 1–1 with Seongnam in their opening match. The game was played under heavy rain and strong winds, making normal play difficult. Player of the Round Matheus Frizzo, Suwon FC (vs. Yongin FC) Suwon FC began the season in style by defeating Chungbuk Cheongju 4–1 in their opener. Although they conceded the first goal just three minutes into the match, Matheus Frizzo’s performance turned the momentum around. Frizzo first made his mark in the 10th minute by delivering a clever pass that set up Ha Jeong-woo’s equalizer. In the second half, he calmly finished two chances inside the box. Beyond the goals and assist, his movement between the wing and central areas, actively attacking the half-spaces, was also impressive, as it created cracks in the opposing defense. Although he had a goal was disallowed, the Brazilian still demonstrated his sharp kicking ability by finding the net during a corner-kick situation. Even under the intense pressure typical of the K League, he showed smart positioning and decision-making, delivering a flawless debut performance. As a result, Frizzo was named the MVP of the opening round. Led by Frizzo, Suwon FC will face Yongin FC in Round 2. Yongin drew 2–2 with Cheonan in their opening match after an intense back-and-forth battle. Although they are a new team, they have signed several players with extensive K League experience and are considered a competitive side. Suwon FC will look to maintain their early-season momentum, while Yongin will be highly motivated to secure their first K League victory. 2026 K League 2 Round 2 Fixtures Saturday 7th March Seoul E-Land vs. Gyeongnam FC - 14:00 Paju Frontier vs. Suwon Bluewings - 14:00 Daegu FC vs. Jeonnam Dragons - 16:30 Suwon FC vs. Yongin FC - 16:30 Sunday 8th March Ansan Greeners vs. Busan IPark - 14:00 Seongnam FC vs. Chungbuk Cheongju - 14:00 Cheonan FC vs. Gimpo FC - 16:30 Hwaseong FC vs. Gimhae FC 2008 - 16:30 Via K League press release Where to Watch Watch all games live on TV.KLeague.com

The 2026 K League 1 season is finally upon us with Round 1 set to get underway this upcoming weekend. From Outside The Box takes a look at the six matches ahead this weekend, as well as commentators' discussion on approaching pronunciation. Paul Neat and Alex Jensen sit down to preview the first round of the new K League 1 season, taking a closer look at the four featured matches for K League TV and giving insight from their pre-match notes. Paul previews Pohang's away visit to Gimcheon Sangmu while Alex takes a look at Ulsan's opener to Gangwon FC as well Jeju SK and Gwangju FC, both under new management. Then, Matt Binns phones in to give his thoughts ahead of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Bucheon FC 1995 as the K League 1 new boys visit the home of the Champions in hope of an upset. About the Podcast From Outside the Box is a relaxed, insight-driven podcast from K League United, proudly sponsored by Record Pizza and TNT FC. Join K League TV commentators Matthew Binns, Paul Neat, and Alex Jensen as they draw from their weekly notes, observations, and offer peeks into their behind-the-scenes experiences from the commentary box to break down K League 1, offering onest opinions, tactical talk, and real stories from outside the commentary box, every week. The first few episodes of this new initiative will also be available on The K League United Podcast stream before switching over to the new channels which you can find below: Listen and Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You can also follow on Instagram. Watch here on Patreon