Intense Rivalries and Promotion Battles: 2024 K League 2 Season Preview

The 2024 Hana Bank K League 2 season is on the horizon, promising fierce competition among the 13 teams vying for promotion. The league format includes each club playing 39 matches, with three fixtures against the other 12 teams. The intense competition for the top five spots is anticipated, culminating in automatic promotion for the league winners.

The promotion structure involves the top two teams advancing to Promotion-Relegation Playoff 1 against the 11th team in K League 1. The third-placed team earns a bye to the Promotion Final, facing the winners of the fourth versus fifth playoff. The victorious team from the Promotion Final then enters Promotion-Relegation Playoff 2 against the 10th team in K League 1.

As teams gear up for the season, let’s take a closer look at some key contenders:

Ansan Greeners
- Manager: Lim Kwan-sik | Captain: Kim Young-nam
- Nickname: Green Wolves | Stadium: Ansan Wa~ Stadium
- Noteworthy: Aiming for a playoff spot after finishing second-bottom last season.
FC Anyang
- Manager: Ryu Byeong-hoon | Captain: Lee Chang-yong
- Nickname: Violets | Stadium: Anyang Sports Complex
- Noteworthy: Seeking redemption after missing the playoffs last season, targeting wins over rivals Suwon Bluewings.
Bucheon FC 1995
- Manager: Lee Young-min | Captain: Han Ji-ho
- Nickname: Hermes, Reds | Stadium: Bucheon Stadium
- Noteworthy: Persistent playoff contender aiming to break through and secure promotion.

Busan IPark
- Manager: Park Jin-sub | Captain: Lee Han-do
- Nickname: Royals | Stadium: Busan Asiad Stadium
- Noteworthy: Eager for automatic promotion after last season’s heartbreak in the playoffs.
Cheonan City
- Manager: Kim Tae-wan | Captain: Lee Woong-hee
- Stadium: Cheonan Stadium
- Noteworthy: Second season in K League 2, focusing on climbing the table under experienced manager Kim Tae-wan.
Chungbuk Cheongju
- Manager: Choi Yun-kyum | Captain: Lee Han-saem
- Stadium: Cheongju Sports Complex Stadium
- Noteworthy: Surprising debut season in K League, aiming to establish themselves as playoff contenders.

Chungnam Asan
- Manager: Kim Hyun-seok | Captain: Park Se-jik
- Nickname: Owls | Stadium: Yi Sun-sin Stadium
- Noteworthy: Busy transfer window as they seek to improve on their 10th-place finish from last season.
Gimpo FC
- Manager: Ko Jeong-woon | Captain: TBA
- Stadium: Gimpo Solteo Stadium
- Noteworthy: Facing a rebuild after losing key players, aiming for another playoff run.
Gyeongnam FC
- Manager: Park Dong-hyuk | Captain: Woo Joo-sung
- Nickname: Roses | Stadium: Changwon Football Center
- Noteworthy: Striving for a return to the top flight after reaching the playoffs in the past seasons.

Jeonnam Dragons
- Manager: Lee Jang-kwan | Captain: Go Tae-won
- Nickname: Dragons | Stadium: Gwangyang Football Stadium
- Noteworthy: Looking to bounce back after finishing bottom last season, banking on the talent of MVP Valdivia.
Seongnam FC
- Manager: Lee Ki-hyung | Captain: Jung Seung-yong
- Nickname: Magpies | Stadium: Tancheon Sports Complex
- Noteworthy: Seeking redemption in K League 2 after relegation from the top flight.
Seoul E-Land
- Manager: Kim Do-kyun | Captain: Kim Young-wook
- Nickname: Leopards | Stadium: Mokdong Stadium
- Noteworthy: Celebrating their 10th anniversary season, aiming for promotion with new manager Kim Do-kyun.

Suwon Samsung Bluewings
- Manager: Yeom Ki-hun | Captain: TBC
- Nickname: Bluewings | Stadium: Suwon World Cup Stadium
- Noteworthy: Adjusting to life in K League 2 after a surprise relegation, focusing on young talents for attacking prowess.