WK League News

Gyeongju KHNP have announced the signing of defender Hong Hyeji ahead of the 2026 season. The 29-year old defender is returning to the WK League following a season with Northern Super League side AFC Toronto. After making her debut with INAC Kobe in 2017, Hong was the top pick in the 2018 WK League draft, joining Changnyeong WFC for their first three seasons in the league before moving to Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels, with whom she lifted the trophy for three seasons in a row.

Hong is one of several signings announced by the club this afternoon (2nd January). Fellow defender Jeong Yeong-a is returning to KHNP after a year away from league football. WK League veteran Jeong spent six years in Gyeongju from 2018-2024 following spells at Seoul City, Daejeon (now Sejong) Sportstoto, and Icheon Daekyo.

They are also joined by former Suwon FC goalkeeper Jeon Haneul and Koo Chaehyun, previously at Changnyeong WFC. Gyeongju have also recruited a trio of youngsters in Yang Damin, Park Yoojung and Jung Yoojin. Yang and Park, of Ulsan Technical College and Dankook University respectively, were selected by the club at the WK League draft. Forward Jung joins Gyeongbuk from nearby Uiduk University; she also has experience of international football having played for South Korea’s age-group teams on a number of occasions.

Gyeongju had a disappointing season in 2025, finishing in fourth place despite an impressive roster featuring several current and former internationals. In 2026, the club will aim to win its first WK League title under new manager Park Namyeol.