Suwon’s Footballing Decline: Both Clubs Relegated, ‘Suwon Derby’ Moves to K-League 2
Table of Contents
Suwon, once a powerhouse of Korean football, will be absent from the K-League 1 top division next year following the relegation of both Suwon FC and Suwon Samsung. The dual demotion marks a stunning fall from grace for the city, long considered the “football capital” of South Korea, and signals a period of rebuilding for both storied clubs.
Suwon FC’s Painful Relegation
Suwon FC’s fate was sealed after a 2-4 aggregate loss to Bucheon FC in the Hana Bank K-League 2025 Promotion Playoffs. Despite finishing 10th in K League 1 this season and reaching the promotion playoff, they were unable to overcome Bucheon, who entered the playoff as the third-place team from K League 2. The team lost the first leg 0-1 away and then fell 2-3 in the return match on home soil,resulting in their first relegation in six years.
Suwon Samsung, a founding member of the K League in 1996, was relegated to K League 2 in 2023 – the first time in its history. Despite finishing as runners-up in K League 2 this season,they were unable to overcome Jeju’s challenge.
The team’s struggles were compounded by self-inflicted wounds, including defensive errors, sending-offs, and a goalkeeper’s missteps. Coach Byun Seong-hwan announced his resignation following the defeat, visibly distraught by the outcome. The frustration among fans was palpable, with one supporter reportedly collapsing from hyperventilation at the Jeju World Cup Stadium on November 8th and requiring hospitalization.
A Legacy Diminished
Suwon Samsung, once dubbed “Real suwon” for its exceptionally deep squad, boasts a rich history, including four K-League titles (1998, 1999, 2004, 2008) and five Korea Cup victories (2002, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2019).Tho, a significant turning point came in 2014 when management of the Samsung Sports Team was transferred from Samsung Group to Cheil Worldwide, leading to a significant decrease in investment and a subsequent decline in the club’s competitiveness.
Poor front-office management further exacerbated the situation, ultimately contributing to the club’s fall to the second division. Despite a promising run in the 2025 season, where they challenged for the championship alongside Incheon United, Suwon Samsung ultimately fell short of direct promotion and failed to navigate the promotion playoffs.
Suwon FC’s Recent Ups and Downs
Suwon FC experienced a period of stability after ascending to K-League 1 in 2021, even surprising many with a 5th-place finish last year under coach Kim Eun-jung, who previously led the South Korean U-20 team to the semifinals of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World cup. The club initially set its sights on qualifying for the Asian Football confederation (AFC) champions League (ACL).
However, a slow start to the current season, with seven games without a win, saw them languish in the bottom half of the league. While the summer transfer window brought in reinforcements like Willian, Hyun-beom Ahn, and Andrigo, the team’s fortunes quickly reversed when Willian suffered a sports hernia and the defense faltered. Top scorer Sabak, with 17 goals for the season, struggled to replicate his form in the crucial promotion/demotion playoffs, scoring only a late penalty awarded after a VAR review. The future of coach Kim Eun-jung remains uncertain following the team’s failure to remain in the top flight.
A Bitter ‘Suwon derby’ Awaits
The relegation of both Suwon Samsung and Suwon FC means that K-League 1 will be without a team from Suwon next year. The highly anticipated “Suwon Derby,” first played in 2023, will now be contested in the second division, beginning in 2026. This marks a somber chapter for a city deeply passionate about football and a stark reminder of the challenges facing both clubs as they embark on the road to recovery.
