Potential play-off fixtures to get excited for

The end of both the K League 1 and 2 seasons are still far away, but the prospect of a seismic play-off clash cannot be ruled, especially since former K League champions Suwon Samsung will likely finish second in their division. Here are some of the more intriguing possibilities.

The end of both the K League 1 and 2 seasons is still far away, but the prospect of a seismic playoff clash cannot be ruled out—especially since former K League champions Suwon Samsung are likely to finish second in their division. Here are some of the more intriguing possibilities.

Incheon United’s goalless draw in Mokdong saw the leaders open up an eight-point lead over Suwon Bluewings in K League 2. Their lead before the weekend was 10, but by avoiding defeat against Seoul E-Land, Incheon have maintained a healthy cushion over their rivals.

Just eight fixtures remain—including Incheon hosting Suwon next Wednesday—before K League 2 draws to a close. The battle for the three other playoff spots is heating up. Currently, six teams are fighting for three places: Bucheon FC 1995, Jeonnam Dragons, and Busan IPark (all on 49 points); Seongnam FC (48); Gimpo FC (47); and Seoul E-Land (45).

Meanwhile, in K League 1, the table will split between Final A (top six) and Final B (bottom six) on the weekend of October 18. The final five rounds won’t be released until the following week, making predictions tricky. As it stands, the outlook is grim for Daegu FC, who sit bottom and trail Jeju SK by eight points with just seven games left.

Incredibly, three-time defending champions Ulsan HD occupy the third and final relegation spot on 37 points, level with Suwon FC. The Tigers’ inferior goals scored record is counting against them. Reigning K League 2 champions FC Anyang are one point ahead in 8th. Even FC Seoul (5th) and Gwangju FC (6th) could mathematically drop into Final B—and potentially a relegation fight.

For those unfamiliar with the K League structure, here’s how it works:

K League 1 has 12 teams; K League 2 has 14.

• 12th in K League 1 is automatically relegated to K League 2.
• 11th in K League 1 faces a home-and-away playoff against the 2nd-placed K League 2 team.
• 10th in K League 1 plays the winner of the K League 2 playoffs.

K League 2 playoff format:

• 4th hosts 5th (4th advances with a draw).
• The winner travels to 3rd (3rd also advances with a draw).
• The final winner faces 10th in K League 1.

The promotion playoffs take place in late November, and the promotion/relegation playoffs in December. The K League 2 champions are automatically promoted to K League 1.

Here’s a look at potential playoff matchups that would generate serious interest, should they happen.

Suwon derby at Castle Park.

1. Suwon FC vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings

Current positions:

Suwon FC are currently ninth, outside the relegation spots thanks to a superior goals scored record over Ulsan HD. The Bluewings are second in K League 2 with eight matches to play. Even though they narrowed the gap to Incheon from 10 to eight points, it's highly probable the former Asian champions will finish second.

How can it happen?

With an eight-point gap behind Incheon and Bucheon FC (3rd), Suwon are likely to finish second. To face their neighbors, Suwon FC would need to finish 11th in K League 1. The gap is currently six points after Suwon beat seven-man Jeju SK on Sunday. There's still time for both teams' form to shift, and the upcoming table split adds uncertainty. The clubs could also meet if Suwon FC finish 10th and Suwon Samsung drop to 3rd—but that’s less likely.

Why would it be intriguing?

A rare city derby in Korean football. Just 3 km separates the clubs geographically—but a world apart in history, fanbase, and trophies. Yet, it’s Suwon FC in the top flight, while the Bluewings are losing at home to Gyeongnam. Remember: both finished level on points in 2023, but Suwon Samsung went down automatically due to Suwon FC’s better goal tally. Then, Suwon FC staged a dramatic comeback from 3–1 down to hammer Busan IPark in the playoffs and stay up.

In three words, will it happen?

Don't bet against.

What used to be a familiar league battle could become a playoff battle.

2. Jeju SK vs. Bucheon FC 1995

Current positions:

Jeju are in freefall. Four straight losses, no manager, and a chaotic defeat on Sunday to Suwon FC, which saw three players sent off and a substituted player also dismissed. Bucheon’s form has also dipped. Two weeks ago, they were challenging for second. After earning just a point from three matches, they now sit level with Jeonnam and Busan.

How can it happen?

Assuming Suwon finish second, Bucheon would need to win through the K League 2 playoffs. Finishing third isn't enough—they need to earn it the hard way. Jeju, meanwhile, would need to climb to 10th.

Why would it be intriguing?

Once known as Bucheon SK, Jeju wore red and black and played at Bucheon Stadium before relocating to Jeju Island in 2006. Like Anyang, Bucheon was left without a team—briefly. They don’t like Jeju. Earlier this season, Bucheon knocked the Islanders out of the Korea Cup.

In three words, will it happen?

Doesn’t look good.

3. FC Anyang vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings

Current positions:

Anyang looked doomed a month ago—losing close games and falling into despair. Then came a much-needed win over Daejeon, followed by a glorious victory against Seoul and a strong showing against Jeju. A rare draw with Gwangju followed. They’re now 8th, one point above the drop zone. For Suwon—see above.

How can it happen?

Suwon finishing second is the assumption. Anyang would need to drop to 11th. While that seems unlikely, someone has to finish there. Right now, it’s more likely to be Jeju—but a lot can change.

Why would it be intriguing?

Before FC Seoul existed, Suwon vs. Anyang LG Cheetahs was the Korean derby. When the Cheetahs moved across the Han River, football died in Anyang. But Suwon fans never forgot. They’ve mocked Anyang’s return by bringing Cheetos snacks to their games—taunting their past.

In three words, will it happen?

Depends on Anyang.

4. Ulsan HD vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings

Current positions:

Champions for three straight years, Ulsan HD are now 10th. Their collapse is shocking, but not without precedent. In recent seasons: Seongnam (relegated in 2022), Suwon Bluewings (2023), Incheon (2024), and Jeonbuk needing a playoff to survive. Ulsan are level with Suwon FC but trail on goals scored. Suwon—again—are second in K League 2.

How can it happen?

Suwon finish second, Ulsan hold on to 10th. With a six-point cushion over Jeju, that outcome is very possible.

Why would it be intriguing?

A combined nine K League titles, six Korea Cups, and four AFC Champions Leagues. This should be a title decider, not a relegation battle.

In three words, will it happen?

Everyone hopes so.

Kim Do-kyun, Busan's nemesis.

5. Busan IPark vs. Seoul E-Land

Current positions:

The first potential clash not involving a K League 1 side. Busan are 5th, tied on 49 points with Bucheon and Jeonnam. Seoul E-Land sit 8th, four points behind.

How can it happen?

Both teams must make the playoffs. That’s it.

Why would it be intriguing?

Kim Do-kyun. In December 2023, his Suwon FC side visited Busan for the promotion/relegation playoff. Busan were in control—3–1 up on aggregate with 12 minutes to go. Then, they collapsed. Suwon forced extra time and demolished them. Kim left Suwon and joined Seoul E-Land. His first match? A 3–0 win over Busan. E-Land finished third, two points ahead of their playoff nemesis.

In three words, will it happen?

Might just happen.

Bonus: Suwon Samsung Bluewings vs. FC Seoul

Why would it be intriguing?

Because it’s Suwon vs. Seoul. The chances of this happening? Roughly 0.0000001%. But still technically possible.

Bonus 2: Daegu FC vs. Jeonnam Dragons.

Why would it be intriguing?

FA Cup disaster for Daegu.