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South Korean EPL Era Ends as Japan Rises
19 Aug
Summary
- Son Heung-min's transfer to LAFC marks the end of South Korean EPL dominance.
- Japanese players like Mitoma and Endo are increasingly prominent in the EPL.
- Viewership in South Korea has dropped significantly since Son's departure.
The departure of Son Heung-min to LAFC in July 2025 signals a significant shift, effectively concluding the prominent era of South Korean players in the English Premier League. This transition follows a history that began in earnest with Park Ji-sung's arrival at Manchester United in 2005, a period marked by multiple league titles for Korean talent.
While several South Korean players have graced the EPL, with Son Heung-min achieving captaincy and winning the Europa League in 2025, the current landscape shows a diminished presence. Young talents like Yang Min-hyuk and Kim Ji-soo are expected to be loaned out, and Hwang Hee-chan's team, Wolverhampton, has been relegated.
In contrast, Japanese footballers are increasingly making their mark. Players such as Kaoru Mitoma, Daichi Kamada, and Wataru Endo are active participants, with more Japanese stars choosing England over Germany. This influx suggests Japan is filling the void left by South Korean players.
The impact of Son's exit is also felt in South Korea, with a reported significant drop in viewership for Tottenham matches. Observers predict that Hwang Hee-chan's May match against Burnley might be the last time a South Korean player is seen in the EPL for the foreseeable future.
