2026 K League 2 Round 12 Preview

Chungnam Asan spark revival

Chungnam Asan (seventh, 15 points) ended a four-match winless run of three draws and one loss in Round 11, producing an emphatic 3-0 victory over in-form Seoul E-Land.

The club had been operating under an interim coaching structure following the departure of Lim Kwan-sik last month. Although André Gaspar was later appointed as the club’s new head coach, visa issues prevented him from taking charge on the bench during the victory over Seoul E-Land.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation, Chungnam Asan delivered one of their strongest performances of the season. Using aggressive pressing and rapid counterattacks, they controlled the match and scored three goals. Centre forward Kim Jong-min was particularly clinical, converting all three of his shots to record the first hat-trick of the 2026 K League 2 season.

Midfielders Son Jun-ho and Park Se-jik also played important roles with their work rate and passing stability helping to drive the attack. There is growing interest in how Chungnam Asan will continue to develop under the club’s new structure.

Chungnam Asan host Suwon FC in Round 12 on Sunday, May 17th at 7 PM at Yi Sun-sin Stadium.

Player of the Round

Daegu FC (sixth, 15 points) drew 0-0 away to Suwon Bluewings in Round 11. While the result may have felt slightly disappointing, the match marked a second consecutive clean sheet since the appointment of head coach Choi Seong-yong. Goalkeeper Han Tae-hee played a major role in that improvement.

Han joined Daegu in 2023 but spent most of his first two seasons playing for the club’s reserve side. From last year onwards, he gradually began to earn first-team opportunities and show his potential. Although Daegu were unable to avoid relegation, Han impressed with his shot-stopping, composure in build-up play and aerial ability, making full use of his 196 cm frame.

This season, Han has continued to gain experience as a regular starter and has shown strength not only in making saves but also in distributing accurately from the back. In Round 6 against Gimpo FC, he even registered an assist with a precise long pass.

His performance against Suwon in Round 11 was particularly impressive. Han saved all four shots on target he faced, including a remarkable goal-line clearance to deny Reis in the 64th minute, which proved to be one of the defining moments of the match.

Daegu now look to make it three matches unbeaten as they prepare to face Gimhae FC 2008 in Round 12. Gimhae are still searching for their first win of the season and have conceded 23 goals while recording two draws and eight losses. The match takes place on Sunday, May 17th at 4:30 PM at Gimhae Sports Complex.

via K League press release

2026 K League 2 Round 12 Fixtures

Saturday 16th May

Seoul E-Land vs. Yongin FC - 16:30

Jeonnam Dragons vs. Chungbuk Cheongju - 16:30

Cheonan City vs. Paju Frontier - 19:00

Ansan Greeners vs. Gimpo FC - 19:00

Where to Watch