2026 Season Preview: Jeju SK | OneFootball

Avoiding relegation to K League 2 by the skin of their teeth last year despite having the fifth highest wage bill in the top division, Jeju SK are back with a new manager and revamped squad. Can the Islanders make a splash in 2026? Moreover, how will they fare as the dormant rivalry between them and Bucheon FC 1995, a phoenix club formed in their wake, erupts for the first time in K League 1? 

The club formerly known as Jeju United rebranded as Jeju SK ahead of the 2025 season, emphasising the role of its parent company 20 years after relocating to the island from Bucheon, on the outskirts of Seoul. For much of the 2025 season, Jeju seemed destined to join phoenix club Bucheon FC 1995 in K League 2, suffering the most losses in the top division as manager Kim Hakbum struggled to squeeze any kind of form out of the Tangerines either at home or away.

By the time Kim resigned in September, it looked as if it were already too late for Jeju, languishing at the bottom of the table, with automatic relegation a very real possibility. Saved from that fate by disastrous Daegu FC in dead last, Jeju faced the tricky task of a promotion-relegation playoff against Suwon Samsung Bluewings and their army of travelling supporters.

Despite a Suwon contingent hungry for a return to the top flight, Jeju demonstrated their ability to deliver results just when it matters. After a shaky start, Yuri Jonathan's converted penalty gave Jeju the advantage away at Big Bird, and back on home soil for the second leg, the Islanders secured their return to K League 1 with a decisive score of 3-0 on aggregate.

Notable Moves

Sergio Costa: New manager Costa is no stranger to football in South Korea, having previously served as an assistant coach to the country's national men's team for over four years under Paolo Bento. He is Jeju's first foreign head coach in over fifteen years, and it is hoped that his analysis-driven approach will help the club to "maximise synergy" and develop a new strategic vision.

Yuri Jonathan: Forward Yuri has returned to his native Brazil after three seasons at Jeju, finishing up his time on the island with just shy of 100 appearances for the side. He will be fondly remembered by Jeju fans for his goals, assists, and celebrations, not to mention his key role in the team's 2025 relegation survival fight.

Kim Seungseop: Kim returned from Gimcheon Sangmu just in time to make an impact in 2025, scoring against Ulsan on the final day of the season to save Jeju from automatic relegation, and again in the playoff match against Suwon Samsung. He is taking his talents to Jeonbuk Hyundai this season.

Gytis Paulauskas: Standing tall at 196cm, striker Paulauskas is a newcomer to the K League, having previously played for several clubs in Eastern Europe. The 26-year-old Lithuania international could become a fan favourite if he puts his goalscoring ability on show at Jeju.

Key Player

Kim Ryunseong

Local lad Kim returned to Jeju-do last year for the first time since his U-12 days, having progressed through the academy system at Pohang and made his professional debut for the Steelers in 2021. After loan spells at Gimcheon Sangmu (military service) and Busan IPark, left back Kim transferred to Jeju SK in 2025 and immediately became a mainstay of the squad. He has proved his chops in both attacking and defensive play, and this year he will also take up duties as one of the team's vice-captains. Kim seems to have really found his place at Jeju SK, and now with more experience and responsiblity, we can expect to see him feature prominently in the club's 2026 campaign.

Young Player to Watch

Choi Byeongwook

A graduate of Jeju's youth system, 20-year-old winger Choi made his professional debut last year, clocking up 31 club appearances across all competitions, as well as gaining international experience at the 2025 U-20 World Cup. He has shown flashes of creativity for Jeju but was disappointed to record only one assist, and no goals, in his first season with the senior team. Boosted by a renewed contract and the loyal support of Jeju's fans, Choi will be aiming to make more of an impact this year.

Biggest Question

What is Jeju SK's identity?

Jeju's rebranding last year was followed by a season of football to forget, but now with a new manager and reorganised squad the club has a chance to forge a forward-looking identity to match their new look. The appointment of Sergio Costa is an exciting move that could herald the beginning of a new era for Jeju, bringing together the club's history with an updated philosophy driven by performance analysis.

With relocation derby rivals Bucheon FC 1995 having secured promotion to the top division for the first time in their history, Jeju have a further opportunity to cement their own status and identity. Emerging victorious from the first 'SK derby' in K League 1, set to take place at Jeju World Cup Stadium in April, would give the Tangerines and their fans a boost in pride that could put them on the right foot early in the season.

Reason to Watch

Do any of us really need an excuse to make a trip to Jeju-do? For football fans, taking in a match in Seogwipo is a great addition to the schedule along with the island's many, perhaps more conventional, sightseeing offerings. Conversely, a long weekend on Jeju can be a good compromise in away day negotiations with family and friends who aren't so keen on the footy itself.

This season, Jeju have expanded the stadium's 'All Fan Zone', a designated area for neutrals which was introduced last year in a K League first. Although the All Fan Zone has been met with a mixed response from supporters (and the same idea outright rejected by fans at one or two other K League clubs), it does represent a concerted effort by Jeju SK to increase its appeal to football fans and newcomers alike who find themselves with an afternoon or evening to spare during a trip to the island.