This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
On Friday, May 8, 2020, South Korean football made history by becoming the first international competition to restart after the coronavirus pandemic. The K-League, which had its start delayed by two months, will be broadcast live in nearly 20 countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and Australia.
With the pandemic sidelining most leagues worldwide, the K-League is taking a bold step by restarting with stringent safety guidelines in place. Players have been instructed to avoid excessive goal celebrations, handshakes, close talking, and blowing their noses. The stadiums will be devoid of spectators, and temperatures will be checked before each game.
"Because we had limited exposure to international fans, it is true that the K-League was largely unknown globally despite its competitiveness," said league spokesman Lee Jong-kwoun. "2020 will be the first year the league will be recognised and assessed on a global level."
"Because we had limited exposure to international fans, it is true that the K-League was largely unknown globally despite its competitiveness," said league spokesman Lee Jong-kwoun. "2020 will be the first year the league will be recognised and assessed on a global level." — Lee Jong-kwoun, K-League Spokesman
Defending champions Jeonbuk Motors, managed by Jose Mourinho's former assistant Jose Morais, will face Cup-holders Suwon Bluewings in the season-opener in Jeonju, a host city for the 2002 World Cup. The K-League's progress will be closely watched by other leagues, including the giants of Europe, where Germany's Bundesliga is the only competition so far to set a date to return.
South Korea has made significant progress in containing the pandemic, with an extensive "trace, test and treat" programme in place. The country has reported 12 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the total to 10,822. Authorities have reported that spectators will be allowed back into stadiums progressively as the government eases its distancing measures.
