Image source: Jeonbuk Hyundai
that there is only one foreign manager in K League 1 for the 2025 season. He is Gustavo Poyet of Jeonbuk Hyundai. He is an Uruguyan national, who had previous managerial stints at Premier League side Sunderland and La Liga’s Real Betis and most recently, coached the Greece national team from the year 2022 to 2024. He was hired by Jeonbuk Hyundai before the 2025 season to lead the nine-time K League champion back to its glory days after a dismal 2024 season when they almost faced relegation.
In comparison to the neighboring Japan’s top flight, J1 League, there are currently 7 foreign coaches. Why is there such a disparity? Please look out for my follow up post for the answer.