Gyeongju KHNP have sealed their place in the 2026 WK League playoff, finishing the regular league season in third place after an intense race for the coveted spot that came down to the final day of the season.
Sejong Sportstoto and Seoul City came close to challenging league runners-up Hwacheon KSPO in this month’s playoff match, but it was a two-horse race ahead of the final matchday of the regular season on Saturday, only Gyeongju KHNP and Mungyeong Sangmu still in with a chance of progressing.
Gyeongju had the advantage thanks to a decisive home win against Seoul City in Round 27 that saw them jump from fifth to third, meaning that a win against Suwon on Saturday would guarantee their place in the playoff, and a draw or a loss could still be enough to progress.
Meanwhile, Mungyeong Sangmu’s 1-0 loss at Suwon on Wednesday left them two points behind Gyeongju in fifth place, meaning that the military team not only needed a win against Incheon Hyundai in Round 28, but also needed Gyeongju to falter.
Sangmu did what they needed to do, beating the Red Angels 4-1 in front of a home crowd at Mungyeong Civic Stadium, with two goals apiece for Lee Seran and Yang Seoyeong. Even with their comfortable lead, supporters in the stands were keeping an eye on the score in Suwon, knowing that if Gyeongju held on to their early lead, Mungyeong’s season would be over.
In Suwon, a Hyun Seulgi brace had put the visitors ahead before the break. There was a glimmer of hope for Sangmu fans as Suwon’s Choe Yuri scored in the second half to bring the score to 1-2, but when Jeon Eunha netted KHNP’s third with only fifteen minutes left on the clock, it was to be the final goal of the 2026 WK League regular season.
If Mungyeong Sangmu had managed to qualify for the playoff, it would have been a first for the army team, who haven’t finished in the top half of the WK League table since 2011. Missing out on the chance to challenge for the trophy, especially by such a narrow margin, is no doubt a disappointment for Lee Miyeon’s squad, but they still finish the season with their highest points total, and a record number of wins.
After a poor start to their season, Gyeongju KHNP have found better form since the summer and recent performances should give them confidence as they look ahead to the playoff. Park Namyeol’s side came close to victory at last month’s National Sports Festival, taking the lead against Suwon FC in the final before eventually losing on penalties. Their win on Saturday against a full-strength Suwon side proves that the runaway league leaders are not invincible.
Before they can take on rivals Suwon again in another final, Gyeongju KHNP must now focus on next week’s playoff against Hwacheon KSPO. Travelling to Hwacheon on a Thursday evening in November is an unenviable task, but KHNP do have more time for training and recovery than their opponents, who are currently in India for their 2026-27 AWCL group stage matches.
For some WK League teams, the 2026 season is over, but for Suwon, Hwacheon, Gyeongju, and W Korea Cup finalists Sejong, the most crucial matches lie ahead.
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