Ulsan: Ulsan HD FC are set to embark on a quest to secure their fourth consecutive K League 1 title as the new season kicks off this Saturday. They aim to become only the second team, after Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, to achieve such a feat in South Korean football history.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ulsan have been dominant in recent years, winning the past three championships following years of trailing behind Jeonbuk. Their recent title win was particularly notable as they underwent a midseason coaching change, with Kim Pan-gon taking the helm after Hong Myung-bo departed for the national team. Despite a temporary setback, Ulsan finished the season strong under Kim's leadership.
The new K League 1 season begins earlier than usual, with Pohang Steelers and Daejeon Hana Citizen FC set to play the opening match. The early start will be accompanied by a packed schedule, including potential disruptions due to international tournaments such as the Asian Football Confederation Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Ulsan will face challenges, including their participation in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in June and the East Asian Football Federation E-1 Football Championship in July. These commitments, combined with a busy offseason, test the team's depth. Ulsan lost top scorer Joo Min-kyu but strengthened their squad with new signings, including Yoon Jong-gyu, Heo Yool, and Matias Lacava.
FC Seoul is anticipated to be a formidable rival, having made significant offseason acquisitions, including Jesse Lingard, who returns for a second season as captain. They have bolstered their squad with experienced internationals such as Kim Jin-soo, Moon Seon-min, and Jeong Seung-won.
Daejeon, another team to watch, has enhanced its offense with key signings Joo and Jeong Jae-hee. Under head coach Hwang Sun-hong, they showed improvement last season, losing only twice in their final 13 matches.
Jeonbuk, after narrowly avoiding relegation, appointed Gus Poyet as head coach and added Italian striker Andrea Compagno to strengthen their attack. Gangwon FC, last year's surprise runner-up, faces changes with the departure of head coach Yoon Jong-hwan and the sale of star player Yang Min-hyeok to Tottenham Hotspur.
Newly promoted FC Anyang will aim to establish themselves in the top tier after winning the K League 2 last season. The opening weekend will feature all six matches in the southern region of the country, offering warmer conditions compared to Seoul and its vicinity.