The Korean K League 2 is the second division of professional football in South Korea, operating directly below the prestigious K League 1. It serves as a crucial proving ground for clubs aspiring to reach the top flight and a competitive league in its own right within the East Asian football landscape. Founded in 2013 as the K League Challenge, the league is headquartered in Seoul and operates under the Korea Professional Football League. Its main competition is a double-round robin regular season, culminating in a promotion playoff series that offers a path to the K League 1. The league typically features 10 to 12 clubs, including ambitious professional sides and the reserve teams of some K League 1 giants, which adds a unique developmental layer. While its commercial value and global reach are naturally more modest than the top division, the K League 2 is highly influential domestically, acting as the primary talent pipeline for Korean football. Its promotion system creates intense drama each season, and it has been the launchpad for several clubs that have gone on to establish themselves in the K League 1. Key awards mirror those of the top tier, including a league MVP, a Best Young Player, and a Golden Boot for the top scorer.