The K League Returns: 5 Things to Know About the South Korean Top Flight

Football is gradually getting back to its feet across the globe following the coronavirus pandemic. The Premier League is plotting its return with 'Project Restart', games have already resumed in Taiwan, while the Belarusian Premier League just ploughed on as if nothing's happened.

Life is beginning to return to normal in South Korea, meaning the K League season - that was due to begin in February - can get underway.

The campaign is scheduled to kick off on Friday 8 May. Here's everything you need to know about the South Korean league in preparation for its return.

Preventing Coronavirus

The season is to kick off behind closed doors, but with coronavirus cases now dropping to below ten per day in South Korea, fans are expected to gradually be allowed to attend games sooner rather than later.

According to Forbes, every K League player and match official has been tested for COVID-19. Any teams with a player who had tested positive would have had to be quarantined for two weeks, but all results have come out negative.

Where to Watch

The K League already struck up digital deals with Dugout, 433 and Copa90, while broadcasters in China, Hong Kong, and Croatia have also purchased the TV rights.

SportsPro report that broadcasters in US, Australia, France, Germany and Italy are also in discussions over potential TV deals.

Teams to Watch

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have been the dominant force in the K League for the past decade, winning the league title in five of the last six seasons.

The side are managed by Jose Mourinho's former assistant Jose Morais. The 54-year-old followed Mourinho to Real Madrid, Inter and Chelsea, before having a brief spell as number one at Barnsley.

Despite their recent dominance, Jeonbuk only won the league title on goal difference last season, pipping Ulsan Hyundai to top spot.

If you're more of a hipster football fan, then Sangju Sangmu are the team for you. The side is made up entirely of players currently serving their compulsory two year national service in the South Korean military. This means you cannot afford to get attached to any players, as they play for the team for duration of their national service and are then sent back to their previous club after two years.

If you were still searching for a reason to support Sangju Sangmu, they've also got a killer sob story. The franchise are having to move city from their home in Sangju at the end of the season, so their relegation has already been confirmed this season without a ball being kicked. Very much South Korea's answer to Doncaster Rovers Belles of 2013.

Players to Watch

Last season's runners up Ulsan have former Bolton Wanderers favourite Lee Chung-yong in their ranks. The former Crystal Palace midfielder signed for the club in March, and could make his debut against Sangju Sangmu on Saturday.

Ulsan have also secured the signing of Cho Hyun-woo, the South Korean number one who shot to fame after three superb performances at the 2018 World Cup. Jo turned in a man of the match display against Germany in South Korea's final group game, making save after save to preserve his side's clean sheet and famously knock the world champions out at the group stages.

Australia international Adam Taggert is one of the league's biggest stars. The forward, who was once on Fulham's books but failed to make a league appearance for the club, finished as last season's top scorer for Suwon Samsung Bluewings, hitting 20 goals in 32 appearances.

League Format and Adaptations

The K League consists of 12 teams. Clubs usually play each other three times, before the league splits into the top six and the bottom six. The bottom six and top six then all play each other one final time.

As the season's kick off has been delayed, K League sides will only play each other twice before the division splits in two.

Two sides are relegated, meaning only the side who finished bottom of the table will suffer the drop alongside Sangju Sangmu. The top two sides qualify for the AFC Champions League group stages, while the team that finished third qualifies for the Champions League playoffs.