Top U21 K League 2 Players

The hidden gem of Korean football with an expanding league and improving quality providing crucial game time for young players is key.

Incheon United were relegated last season to K2 and are using the time under coach Yoon Jeong-hwan to give more minutes to young players and it’s working

K League 2 players are receiving increased attention these days, following the move of Lee Kang-hee to Austria Wien and the anticipated transfer of Park Seung-soo, who is reportedly on the verge of joining Premier League side Newcastle United. The 18-year-old winger is expected to sign soon.

South Korea’s second division can serve as a breeding ground for young talent. With more teams than the top flight and no threat of relegation, there is less pressure to rely on experienced pros. As a result, it’s becoming increasingly common for promising young players from club academies and university teams to choose the second tier, where they can expect more playing time.

The league is awash with talent, including the likes of Chungnam Asan’s Chung Ma-ho (20), Kim Gyeol (20) of Gimpo FC, and Ham Sun-woo (20) of Hwaseong FC—all exciting prospects who have chosen to ply their trade in K League 2.

But who has really impressed this season?