South Korean football is considering a significant change to its K-League schedule, with a recent survey indicating strong support among coaches for a shift to a European-style season. Over 70% of 29 coaches in Asia's oldest professional league back moving from the current March-November format to one that begins in late August and incorporates a winter break.
The debate has intensified due to increasingly hot summers, which have seen fans faint in stadiums and coaches express concerns about the quality of play. The city of Yangsan recorded its highest temperature since records began at 42.5 Celsius on August 2, while Seoul experienced 17 consecutive tropical nights.
The South Korea Pro Footballers Association (KPFA) has advocated for the change, stating it is necessary to "protect players from the worsening climate crisis and punishing summer heat." They also believe it would help maintain the league's leadership within Asia and its global competitiveness, particularly regarding player transfers.
Japan's J League recently made a similar transition, and players in Korea believe aligning with the European season would benefit both player and fan welfare, as well as facilitate player buying and selling. The Asian Champions League also transitioned to this schedule in 2023.