No Korean players in EPL after Son's exit; Japan sets record with 9

South Korea absent from EPL; Japan sets record with 9 players

The 2026-27 Premier League season kicks off on August 22, but for the first time since 2005, there will be no South Korean players in the league. Son Heung-min's departure from Tottenham has left South Korea without any representation in the EPL. In contrast, Japan has set a new record with 9 players in the opening squads, including Mitoma Kaoru, Kamada Daichi, and Takai Kota. South Korea is currently 3rd in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 3 points (1 win, 2 losses) and has lost their last two matches.

Contrasting trends: South Korea and Japan in the EPL

The Guardian noted that "South Korea has no players in the EPL after Son's exit, while Japan has 9, including several promoted from the Championship." Japan's shift from preferring the Bundesliga to targeting the Premier League has paid off, with players like Morita Hidemasa, Maeda Daizen, and Sakamoto Tatsuhiro moving up with their clubs.

What's next for South Korean football?

Young players like Yang Min-hyuk, Kim Ji-soo, and Park Seung-su are on EPL rosters but are loaned out due to limited playing time. Hwang Hee-chan dropped to the Championship after Wolverhampton's relegation. For South Korea to return to the EPL, developing young talent and securing overseas moves will be key. Their next match is against Ecuador on September 24 at home.