Korea Republic's top-flight K League 1 will resume its 2018 season campaign on Saturday with the players returning from international duty. The second division K League 2 already started its second half schedule last weekend. The K League has been on a break since May 21 for the FIFA World Cup.
"We'll have to play a better game for fans," Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors right-back Lee Yong, who started in all three of Korea Republic's matches at the 2018 World Cup, said during a press conference at the Korea Football Association (KFA) House in Seoul.
"I will try my best to recreate that World Cup fever again on the pitch."
The Taeguk Warriors returned home last Friday after they failed to reach the Round of 16. From the 23-man squad for the World Cup, 12 were from the K League.
Korea Republic finished third in Group F with one win and two losses at Russia 2018. They lost 1-0 to Sweden and fell 2-1 to Mexico but produced a stunning 2-0 win over Germany in their final Group F match.
The K League-based players said the World Cup gave them good learning experiences to become better footballers.
"I feel thankful that many fans supported us and gave a lot of energy," said Incheon United winger Moon Seon-min (pictured below), who started in Korea Republic's last two matches. "I couldn't really show my aggressiveness when we had chances at the World Cup," Moon revealed.
"It's something that I regret, but I'll try to show my offensive character in the K League."
The K League 1 teams have to play 24 more matches before the end of their season in November. Defending champions Jeonbuk are currently the leaders in the 12-team league with 34 points, nine points ahead of Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
Jeonbuk had three players -- Lee Jae-sung, Lee Yong and Kim Shin-wook -- in Korea Republic's World Cup squad, the most of any club.
Among Korea Republic's World Cup members, Ju Se-jong and Yun Young-sun (pictured below) are the only two players who are with second division clubs. Ju plays for Asan Mugungwha FC, while Yun is with Seongnam FC.
Seongnam are currently the leaders in the K League 2 with 32 points, just one point above Asan.
"As a veteran, I'm ready to join our team and lead young players," said Yun, who made his World Cup debut against Germany.
"The World Cup experience will give me a big help, and I will try to use that experience in the K League."
Ju, who assisted Son Heung-min's goal against Germany, said he hopes fans flock to the stadiums to watch K League matches.
"We'll respond to fans' support with good and competitive games," he said. "Asan have good players and are determined to play a better game. We can catch up to Seongnam."
Sources: yonhapnews.co.kr, FIFA via Getty Images
Source: the-afc.com