2026 K League 2 Round 13 Preview

K League 1 may have taken a break, but there's still some K League to look forward to with a busy three-day weekend coming up. Round 13 of the K League 2 season sees Chungbuk Cheongju continue their search for a first win of the campaign against one of the division’s form sides in Hwaseong. Elsewhere, Suwon FC look to maintain their momentum after climbing back into the top three, while Jeonnam striker Ha Nam aims to build on a long-awaited return to scoring form.

Match of the Round

Chungbuk Cheongju seek first win against in-form Hwaseong

Chungbuk Cheongju, who have drawn seven consecutive league matches, face a Hwaseong FC side that's unbeaten in six games with four wins and two draws in Round 13. With both teams showing clear tactical identity and consistent performances, another closely contested encounter is expected.

Chungbuk Cheongju remain without a win after 12 matches this season, but they have also lost only twice. Their ten draws tell the story of an outfit that has been difficult to beat but unable to close out matches. In attack, Lee Jong-eon and Mender Garcia have impressed with their movement and aggressive pressing, while Kim Sun-min has provided stability in midfield. However, conceding late goals continues to be a major issue. In Round 12 against Jeonnam Dragons, Chungbuk Cheongju surrendered a two-goal lead and were held to a 2-2 draw. Maintaining concentration throughout the full 90 minutes will again be crucial.

Hwaseong, meanwhile, are among the division’s most in-form sides. In what is the team's second year under head coach Cha Du-ri, Hwaseong have developed a clear identity built around compact defensive organisation and quick transitions. Leonard Plana and Kim Byung-oh have led the attack effectively, while Demethryus and Sava Petrov provide additional attacking options from the bench. Even the two draws during their unbeaten run came in matches where Hwaseong controlled large stretches before conceding late equalisers. In Round 12, they strengthened their momentum further by defeating league leaders Busan.

Hwaseong held the advantage in last season’s meetings between the two sides with two wins and one draw from three matches. Although recent form points towards Hwaseong, Chungbuk Cheongju have consistently shown resilience regardless of the opposition.

Team of the Round

Suwon FC rediscover their attacking firepower

Suwon FC moved up to third place after defeating Chungnam Asan 3-1 in Round 12, extending their unbeaten run to four matches with two wins and two draws. It marks their return to the top three for the first time since the early stages of the season.

Their resurgence has been particularly notable given the struggles they experienced during April. After opening the campaign with four straight wins, Suwon FC recorded two draws and two losses during April and slipped away from the leading pack. Opponents had begun to adjust to the team’s asymmetric tactical approach between a back three and back four, while Matheus Frizzo also faced increased defensive attention.

However, the side regained momentum in May. Their 3-1 victory over Suwon Bluewings in the Round 10 Suwon Derby proved to be a turning point, with both Frizzo and Ha Jeong-woo starring in attack as the latter scored twice. In Round 11 away to Hwaseong, Frizzo scored a late equaliser to secure an important 1-1 draw. Suwon FC then followed that result with another strong attacking display against Chungnam Asan in Round 12, producing a 3-1 victory through composed finishing and clinical attacking play. Eight of their 15 shots were on target, highlighting the team’s efficiency in front of goal.

Suwon FC travel to Gyeongnam in Round 13 looking to continue their rise. Gyeongnam were held to a 1-1 draw by Seongnam in their previous match after conceding immediately following a dramatic stoppage-time goal. 

Player of the Round

Jeonnam's Ha Nam back to his best

Jeonnam Dragons appointed Lim Kwan-sik as head coach ahead of Round 11 against Seongnam. His first match ended in a 0-0 draw, followed by another draw against Chungbuk Cheongju in Round 12. Although Jeonnam are still searching for a win under the new manager, their performances have shown increasing signs of stability. Against Chungbuk Cheongju, they fought back from two goals down to earn a point and demonstrate strong character.

At the centre of that comeback was Ha Nam. Before the match, the striker had yet to score in league play this season. Last year, he began the campaign in excellent form before suffering an unexpected injury that kept him out for an extended period. Even after returning, he struggled to rediscover full fitness and consistency. Jeonnam’s own form also declined during that period as they narrowly missed out on the playoffs.

Against Chungbuk Cheongju, however, Ha looked back to his best. From the opening stages, he aggressively challenged the opposition centre-backs in aerial duels and provided a strong physical presence up front. With Jeonnam trailing by two goals, he stepped forward as the team’s match-winner, scoring twice from Valdivia corners with powerful headers. He also won seven of his eight aerial duels, fully showcasing one of his greatest strengths. His performance earned him Round MVP honours.

Jeonnam now return home to face Gimhae in Round 13. Although Gimhae currently sit bottom of the table, Jeonnam will remain focused as they chase a first win under Lim Gwan-sik.

via K League press release

2026 K League 2 Round 13 Preview

Saturday 23rd May

Jeonnam Dragons vs. Gimhae FC 2008 - 16:30
Gyeongnam FC vs. Suwon FC - 16:30
Chungbuk Cheongju vs. Hwaseong FC - 19:00

Sunday 24th May

Yongin FC vs. Chungnam Asan - 16:30
Daegu FC vs. Ansan Greeners - 19:00
Seoul E-Land vs. Seongnam FC - 19:00

Monday 25th May

Suwon Bluewings vs. Cheonan City - 16:30
Paju Frontier vs. Gimpo FC - 16:30