Wikipedia - WK League

The WK League (Hangul: WK리그) is a semi-professional women's football league, run by the Korea Football Association (KFA) and the Korea Women's Football Federation (KWFF), which represents the sport's highest level in South Korea.

Icheon Daekyo won the inaugural edition of the WK League in 2009 and won two more titles in 2011 and 2012. Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels are the most successful team in the league, having won eleven consecutive titles between 2013 and 2023.

History

In 2006, the Korean Women's Football Federation (KWFF) announced their intention to start a semi-professional women's league the following year with four teams playing 12 to 15 games each across four or five rounds. At the end of 2006 discussions were being held over player eligibility rules, in particular the issue of visas for foreign players. In January 2007, the KWFF clarified that the women's league would not be referred to as a professional league, and that official names under consideration included WK League, following the name of the men's K League and adding a "W" to stand for "women's".

In 2008, the KWFF launched an exhibition league as a pilot for the planned year-round league, with four teams participating in three rounds, to be held alongside pre-existing football tournaments. Daekyo Kangaroos won the exhibition league. Following the pilot scheme, it was announced that the WK League would be launched in 2009.

Due to the issue of securing stadiums in major cities, it was deemed too difficult to operate a home-and-away system. Instead, cities were selected to host a number of rounds each. The first edition of the league was contested by six teams over four rounds and 63 matches, including an all-star game and the championship final. Matches were held on Monday nights to avoid clashes with other professional sports.

The first match of the 2009 WK League took place on 20 April 2009 at Wolmyeong Sports Complex in Gunsan between Daekyo Kangaroos and Hyundai Steel, resulting in a 0–0 draw. Daekyo finished the regular season in first place and went on to win the championship final against Hyundai Steel to become the inaugural WK League champions.

In 2010, the South Korean government announced plans to invest in women's football, including the creation of two new clubs to compete in the WK League. Jeonbuk KSPO and Chungbuk Sportstoto were both formally launched ahead of the 2011 season, bringing the total number of teams in the league to eight. However, the following year the league was reduced to seven teams following the dissolution of Chungnam Ilhwa. From 2012 to 2016, the league continued with seven teams, meaning one team would sit out each round.

In 2013, the WK League drew the attention of local and international media following claims by six clubs that Seoul WFC striker Park Eun-sun was in fact a man. It was reported that coaches from six teams threatened to boycott the 2014 league unless Park took a gender verification test. Seoul WFC accused their rivals of violating Park's human rights and demanded an apology. Park also received support from an online petition as well as Democratic Party politician Jun Byung-hun, who called for an investigation by the National Human Rights Commission. The six coaches involved claimed that the controversy was a private joke that had been leaked and blown out of proportion. Lee Sung-gyun of Suwon FMC and Yoo Dong-gwan of Goyang Daekyo resigned in the aftermath of the row. In February 2014, the National Human Rights Commission advised the Korea Football Association (KFA) to punish the coaches, but neither the KFA nor the league itself handed down any punishment and as a result, Park eventually left Seoul to join FC Rossiyanka.

In 2015, the league began a home-and-away system for the first time, allowing teams to establish stronger connections with regional governments and fanbases.

Gyeongju KHNP WFC joined the league in the 2017 season, bringing the total number of teams back to eight.

**South Korea Women K League: Tournament Description**

The South Korea Women K League is the premier professional women's soccer league in South Korea, showcasing the nation's top female talent and promoting the growth of women's football. Established to elevate the standard of play and provide a competitive platform for female athletes, the league features a dynamic mix of established stars and emerging talents from across the country.

**Format and Structure:**
The league typically consists of multiple teams representing various cities and regions, competing in a round-robin format. Each season culminates in a thrilling playoff series, where the top teams vie for the coveted championship title. The league not only emphasizes competitive excellence but also fosters sportsmanship and community engagement.

**Development and Impact:**
The South Korea Women K League plays a crucial role in the development of women's soccer in the region, providing young players with opportunities to showcase their skills and pursue professional careers. The league is committed to promoting gender equality in sports and inspiring the next generation of female athletes.

**Fan Engagement:**
With passionate fan support, the league has cultivated a vibrant soccer culture, drawing spectators to stadiums and engaging audiences through various media platforms. The South Korea Women K League is not just a tournament; it is a celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and the empowerment of women in sports.

**International Recognition:**
As the league continues to grow, it has gained international recognition, attracting attention from scouts and clubs around the world. The South Korea Women K League is a vital part of the global women's soccer landscape, contributing to the sport's evolution and inspiring future generations of players.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and excellence at the South Korea Women K League, where every match is a testament to the skill and determination of women in soccer!