Southeast Asia, another destination for K-Leaguers

Pohang Steelers’ former striker Kim Seung-dae celebrates after scoring against the Thai club Buriram United during the 2014 AFC Champions League group game in this March 11, 2014 file photo. / Yonhap

By John Duerden

The great thing about football being popular around the world is that there are opportunities around the world for Korea’s players. The country has been to more World Cups than any other nation in Asia and more than any on the planet except 16 countries.

Around Asia especially, the Land of the Morning Calm is very well-regarded and this helps to ensure that doors are often kept open. There have long been Koreans in Japan and in recent years they have been heading in increasing numbers to leagues in China and the Middle East such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

This is not always welcomed in Korea. There are no problems with players going to Europe but it is sometimes felt that players moving elsewhere in Asia are moving to inferior leagues than the K-League. If so, there are questions to be raised about their continuing professional development.

That is a different debate but it in a country that has a limited number of professional clubs, it is good for the game that there is work overseas. The greater the pool of players that Korea produces, the better for everyone.

The options available in Southeast Asia are also welcome. Korea does not send its best players to the region, one that is extremely passionate about the game, but there are a growing number of talented stars leaving Seoul to fly a few hours to the southwest.

Thailand is the leading nation in Southeast Asia. The national team has improved markedly in recent years and the Premier League of Thailand has also made strides. There are no less than nine Korean players in the top tier of the Land of Smiles.

Champion Buriram has the familiar figure of Go Seul-ki in midfield (as well as Suwon Bluewings’ ex-striker, the Brazilian Kaio). Go became a favorite at Ulsan from 2010 to 2012, helping the Tigers become champion of Asia.

The 30 year-old scored eight goals last season with Buriram and also appeared as the club performed well in the Asian Champions League. Now with Afshin Ghotbi, former assistant of the Korean national team, in charge, Go could be joined by more compatriots.

Suphanburi, who finished third last season also have a former Ulsan star in Kim Seung-yong. The winger was formerly with Buriram but made the journey south from Thailand’s northeast. He plays with former Jeonbuk midfielder Jung Hoon.

In Malaysia, there was a new signing this week as Penang added Jeong Seok-min to its roster. The islanders hope that the former Pohang Steelers midfielder can help the team avoid relegation. Lee Gil-hoon was a star at Penang, and top scorer in 2014, before moving on to another Malaysian team Sime Darby.

Down at the end of the Malay Peninsula lies Singapore where young midfielder Song Ui-young has been making a name for himself with Home United in the S-League.

None of these players will be watched much by fans back home but they are helping to fly the flag for the country in Southeast Asia, earning a decent living overseas and freeing up places back in the K-League for more local players to fill.