The K League 1 Wrap-Up: Daejeon Hit 20 Points, Gangwon Beat Ulsan Away, and Gwangju Move to Second-Place

As some big clashes saw some big results, round nine of the 2025 K League 1 season was certainly one full of liveliness. As such, columnist Nathan Sartain again returns to recap all of the action.

Two Top-Two Teams Tussle

In a clash between last season’s top two sides, it was runners-up Gangwon FC who bested the reigning champions Ulsan HD 2-1, with the Bears securing their first away win against the Horangi since May 2012 in the process. This was a deserved victory too, with Jung Kyung-ho’s men playing some ambitious football at times, and imposing themselves throughout with a resolute structure and necessary physicality, in addition to some exciting moments of flair. Perhaps it’s a sign Gangwon can push forward this season after all, now that the attacking play is starting to look improved. For Ulsan, though, one win in their last six games is a sure-fire sign something needs to change.

Moving on, coming into Saturday, Gimcheon Sangmu and Daejeon Hana Citizen held the top two places in the league table. But only the Purples managed to maintain their spot, remaining as league leaders following a promising 2-0 victory against the military side. Truthfully, it was a strong showing from Daejeon, who attacked efficiently, and generally dealt with any defensive pressure confidently (though goalkeeper Lee Chang-geun again pulled off some excellent saves), but Gimcheon will be disappointed they ended up down to 10 men early in the second-half, and following back-to-back defeats have now slipped down into fourth due to other results going against them this past weekend.

[READ: Gwangju sink Seoul in Sangam thriller.]

Gwangju FC Are in the Mix

After a disappointing 1-0 defeat away at Gangwon last time out, Gwangju FC rocketed themselves into second-place with a 2-1 win over FC Seoul in round nine. It was much improved from the Griffins, who pressed well, committed bodies forward in attack, and dug deep whenever necessary to end Seoul’s seven-match unbeaten run. And, while Kim Gi-dong’s men did have plenty of opportunities of their own to earn a result, it never felt like their day, which for now means they remain in the very tight mid-table area of the table.

FC Anyang Better Suwon FC

As FC Anyang look to continue a relatively solid start to life in the top-flight, a 3-1 win over Suwon FC will do their confidence the world of good. Here, the Violets were, much like in their 2-0 home triumph against Gangwon, willing to play direct, involve their attacking players in all phases of play, and create strong chances with some regularity. Yes, this front-footed approach does lend itself to allowing the opposition some significant territory too, but in the last two matches it’s shown it can be a successful strategy.

Regarding Suwon FC, however, they’ll regret not making more of their second-half chances in particular, especially considering the vast majority fell to them inside the box. They are now guaranteed to be bottom of the table for at least another week, but can at least take solace from the fact they don’t have to continue chasing that elusive first victory of the year anymore, which alleviates some pressure.

Sunday’s Home Comforts

In Sunday’s two matches, it was the home teams who ended up on top, bucking Saturday’s trend which saw the away side take the spoils in all bar one game. Firstly, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors comfortably beat Daegu FC 3-1, with the Green Warriors’ first-half performance particularly dominant, and the Sky Blues’ lack of confidence exploited as they sink to seven consecutive league defeats. Gus Poyet’s men are now unbeaten in five (three wins, two draws), continuing their steady transition campaign.

Elsewhere, Jeju SK defeated Pohang Steelers 2-0. It maintains the Tangerines’ generally reliable home form - all three of their victories this year have been on their patch - as well as their knack for keeping clean-sheets on their way to a win (they have only conceded in defeat at home in 2025). Such strength in this area will likely bode well for Jeju as the season progresses, and should keep them out of sustained danger.

And that’s all for this week. With just five points separating second from 10th, there’s still everything to play for in K League 1, and it’s staying evident that this year, anyone really can beat anyone.