In the 2026 K League 1 season, now past the 28-match regular stage and entering the split into top-six championship and bottom-six relegation groups, Gimcheon Sangmu faces automatic demotion to K League 2 regardless of results because it is a military-owned side ineligible for AFC competitions. Gwangju FC sits last with just 13 points and a -42 goal difference after heavy defeats, virtually assuring involvement in the relegation play-offs against K League 2 sides. Bucheon FC 1995 and FC Anyang occupy the next positions on 31 and 34 points, respectively, leaving them vulnerable if form collapses in the final rounds. Recent results, including draws and narrow wins among mid-table sides, have done little to shift the bottom-group dynamics ahead of the remaining fixtures.