A Super League which was the basis of the K-League started in 1983. When it started there were 5 teams with both mixed professional and amateur players, but since 1987 it has become an exclusively professional league with 5 teams. After that the number of teams increased. The K- League is the Korean top league and as of 2009 it has grown to include 15 teams. In 2006 a play-off tournament was held between 4 teams; including the first and second term’s champions. However this system is set to change, the teams will play two legs and 26 matches in total then the best 6 teams will play in a play-off to decide the champion. Also the K2-league (called the N-League since 2006) started in 2003 to help the smaller clubs improve.
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma FC, champions in 2006, has won 4 times since 2000, and they are leading the K-League now. In 2007 the Pohang Steelers claimed the title for the first time in 15 years and in 2008 Suwon Samsung Bluewings, under .former Korea Rep. national team head coach CHA Bum Kun won the title for the first time in 4 years. An issue is the return of popularity of the league. Key national team players such as MF PARK Ji Sung (Manchester United) and FW PARK Chu Young (Monaco) now play overseas which causes the domestic league to suffer. A further problem is that in Asian leagues results have favored Japanese teams which is another thorn in the league’s side.

 As of July 2009

2008 league standings + promoted clubs