The upcoming season threatens to mark the first Korean-free Premier League campaign since 2005, when Park Ji-sung joined Manchester United. Park's four-title reign and Son Heung-min's subsequent arrival at Spurs in 2015 sustained South Korea's presence in England's top division for nearly two decades.
South Korea faces multiple challenges beyond the Premier League. The national team's World Cup performance fell short, authorities are examining the football association, and historical allegations surfaced regarding referee payments during the 2011-2012 period.
Japan's rise in English football contrasts with South Korea's current trajectory in the competition.
