SOUTH KOREA | K League 1
The K League 1, South Korea's top-tier professional football league, was established in 1983 as the K League. It was Asia's first fully professional football league, marking a significant milestone in the region's football development. Over the years, the league has undergone several structural changes and rebrandings, with the current name, K League 1, adopted in 2013 when a two-division system (K League 1 and K League 2) was introduced.
Initially featuring only five teams, the league has grown in size and competitiveness, becoming a cornerstone of football in Asia. Iconic clubs such as FC Seoul, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, and Ulsan Hyundai have dominated over the decades, each contributing to the league's rising stature.
The K League 1 is known for its dynamic style of play and strong fan culture, alongside its role in nurturing top talent. Many South Korean players who have excelled internationally, including Son Heung-min and Park Ji-sung, have roots in the league. It remains a prominent platform for both domestic and foreign players, further enhancing its reputation in the global football community.