2025 K League 2 Promotion Race Watch: Alternative Round 37 Preview

With the 2025 Hana Bank K League 2 season now nearing the end, the race for the playoffs and promotion as a whole is at the final furlong. With four playoff spots up for grabs, seven teams still have a mathematical chance of extending their seasons. What are some of the key matches in the promotion race as the season reaches Round 37?

Don't miss the official K League 2 Round 37 preview here...

Key Playoff Race Matches

Suwon Bluewings (2nd) vs Chungbuk Cheongju (13th)

Saturday 1st November - 14:00

Simply put, a Suwon Samsung Bluewings win over Chungbuk Cheongju this Saturday seals second place and a direct playoff with 11th in K League 1. The Bluewings will be itching to bounce back from a disappointing end to their Round 36 contest with Jeonnam Dragons, conceding a late equaliser to see the spoils shared. With two home games from three to finish the campaign, Byun Sung-hwan's men will be looking to build momentum ahead of the playoffs. The last time Chungbuk Cheongju visited Big Bird, the Bluewings came out on top with a 1-0 win, Paulinho with the game's only goal two minutes from time.

Watch live on K League TV: here

Gimpo FC (8th) vs. Hwaseong FC (10th)
Saturday 1st November - 16:30

It's do or die now for Gimpo FC in terms of their playoff aspirations. The loss to Busan last time out was a damaging one, leaving them seven points adrift with nine points left to play for. Gimpo simply have to win all their remaining games and hope that teams above them slip up. This Saturday, Gimpo host a Hwaseong FC side that has lost its last two on the bounce, and a side they have beaten twice already this season, and by the same 1-0 scoreline on both occasions. 

Watch live on K League TV: here

Bucheon FC 1995 (3rd) vs. Ansan Greeners (14th)
Saturday 1st November - 16:30

Bucheon FC 1995 remain in third and still have a mathematical chance of finishing second. But, more realistically, the Reds need to secure third and a bye into the next phase of the K League 2 playoffs. Their opponents this weekend are the league's basement side, Ansan Greeners, who have one win in 21 outings. Bucheon emerged with all three points in both of the two previous meetings this season, 3-1 at home in March and 1-0 at the Wa~ in June. Lee Young-min's men will be confident of making it three wins over the Green Wolves, given that they are currently on a run of five unbeaten.

Watch live on K League TV: here

KLU Pod | Incheon United are K League 2 champions! 

K League 2 Playoffs - How do they work?

Second place, or the K League 2 runners-up, will face 11th in K League 1 in a two-leg playoff. The winners will play in K League 1 next season, the losers will play in K League 2. As things stand, this would mean Jeju SK facing Suwon Samsung Bluewings for a place in the top flight in 2026.

Third down to fifth will compete to face 10th in K League 1. Third will get a bye of sorts to the next round, then fourth play fifth over one leg, with fourth at home and only needing a draw. Third faces the winners of fourth versus fifth over one leg, again with the home team only needing a draw. The winners of that contest then face 10th in K League 1 over two legs. 

As things stand heading into the weekend, this would mean Jeonnam hosting Seoul E-Land to earn the right to face Bucheon, who would then go toe-to-toe to earn a playoff with Suwon FC.