WK League News

The basics

Full team name: Gyeongju Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Women’s Football Club
Established: 2017 (The club was founded in 1962 but the women’s team was established in 2017)
Home ground: Pitch 3, Gyeongju Football Park
Manager: Park Namyeol
Leadership team: Jang Selgi (captain); Jeon Eunha, Moon Mira (vice-captains)

The 2025 season

WK League: 4th place (43 points, 12W 7D 9L)
National Women’s Football Championship: Runners-up
National Sports Festival: Knocked out in Round 1 (quarter-finals) by Incheon

What went well: KHNP brought in some excellent players, acquiring several of Suwon’s 2024 championship-winning squad at the start of the season before adding Lee Youngju and Emi Nakajima in the summer. The high-quality squad had some strong performances throughout the season, although their form crumbled towards the end of the year, and there were some memorable highlights. Gyeongju were the only side to go away to Hwacheon and come back with three points, and they came agonisingly close to glory at the National Women’s Football Championship, finishing as runners-up after an intense final in which KHNP’s players, coaches, and fans strongly felt they were robbed of a penalty.

What didn’t go well: Gyeongju were tipped by many as favourites ahead of the 2025 WK League season, but their campaign started with a 1-4 defeat at home against underdogs Seoul City. It was a portentous result: KHNP had a frustrating season, recording scorelines that didn’t seem to reflect the calibre of the players on the pitch and eventually finishing in fourth place. Meanwhile, the Seoul side that beat them went on to finish as runners-up. Supporters were left feeling dissatisfied, and the departure of manager Song Juhee was inevitable by the end of the season.

2026 squad

Out: Kang Jiyeon, Kwak Royeong, Lee Siho (Gangjin Swans); Lee Soobin (Hwacheon KSPO); Seo Ari (Sejong Sportstoto); Lee Chaeyun, Bin Hyunjin (Seoul City); Bruna Pele (Fluminense)
In: Koo Chaehyun (Gangjin Swans); Jeon Haneul (Suwon FC); Hong Hyeji (AFC Toronto); Rebekah Valdez (CF Pachuca); Jeong Yeonga (FA); Yang Damin (Ulsan College); Park Yoojeong (Dankook University); Jung Yoojin (Uiduk University)
Returning players: Kim Dohyun, Jo Woojang, Kim Jinhee, Son Daseul, Kwak Minjeong, Jang Selgi, Kim Hyeyeong, Um Mingyeong, Lee Youngju, Kim Yoonji, Ko Dayeong, Jeon Eunha, Kim Hyeji, Oh Seoyeon, Kang Eunyeong, Emi Nakajima, Kim Sangeun, Moon Mira, Mai Kyokawa, Hyun Seulgi

What to expect

Aims: Gyeongju’s fourth place finish last year was a major disappointment. It was only the third time that KHNP has finished outside of the playoff places since joining the league in 2017. This year’s aim is clear: to get back into the top three and play in a WK League championship final for the first time since 2022. Gyeongju has held onto a core of key players, and added to the roster with a small, carefully selected group of new signings comprising proven talent and up-and-comers. New manager Park Namyeol is a three-time WK League winner with Icheon Daekyo — he will be looking to make it four with Gyeongju upon his much-anticipated return to the league.

Key players: Jang Selgi is, among other things, an eight-time WK League champion, three-time KFA Footballer of the Year (most recently in 2025), MVP of several international tournaments, and a mainstay of South Korea’s national team for a reason. Time and again she gets her team out of trouble with speed, technical ability and an abundance of footballing intelligence. In her third year with Gyeongju and second year as captain, Jang is central to the club’s ambitions. Among the club’s new signings is Koo Chaehyun, a defender who joined Changnyeong WFC in 2023 and led the club as captain during a difficult season last year. Koo has a handful of international caps at U-20 level and received her first senior call up last year ahead of the East Asian Cup, though she didn’t play any minutes. After three years gaining league experience amid tough circumstances with Changnyeong, Koo is ready to make an impression at a new club.

Why to watch: Gyeongju are never far away from the title race, but the club is still yet to win the WK League. With very little squad turnover, KHNP look a formidable side, perhaps even more so than last year. However after what happened in 2025, those around the club may be more cautious with their optimism for the season ahead. Can three-time WK League winning manager Park Namyeol bring his Midas touch to the club and finally take them all the way?