Potential Absence of South Korean Players in the 2025-26 Premier League due to Wolves' Hwang's Expected Departure
Son Heung-min Makes History as the Only Korean Footballer in Major League Soccer
In a significant shift for Korean football, Son Heung-min has transferred from Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League (EPL) to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in the Major League Soccer (MLS), making him the sole prominent Korean player in these top leagues for the 2025 season.
As of August 2025, Son Heung-min is the only Korean footballer currently playing in the MLS, representing LAFC [3][4]. This move marks a new chapter in his career, as he leaves behind the EPL, where the long-standing presence of Korean players seems to be coming to an end.
Regarding the EPL, no Korean players have been confirmed to be on Premier League rosters for the 2025-26 season. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward Hwang Hee-chan is expected to leave the club this summer, and is not guaranteed a starting spot this season [1]. Other young Korean players like Park Seung Soo have joined the English system, but are mostly involved with youth or reserve squads rather than EPL first teams.
Here's a summary of the current situation:
| League | Korean Players | |-------------------------|-----------------------------------| | English Premier League (2025-26) | No current Korean players in first teams; Hwang Hee-chan likely leaving Wolves; Park Seung Soo at Newcastle (U21/first team prospects) | | Major League Soccer (2025) | Son Heung-min (LAFC) |
Son Heung-min's move to LAFC is a testament to his talent and determination, and it will be exciting to see how he performs in the MLS. As for the EPL, it remains to be seen if any Korean players will make a return to these top ranks in the near future.
Son Heung-min's transfer to Major League Soccer (MLS) showcases his skills in football, as he becomes the only Korean player in a major European-league, namely the English Premier League (EPL) and MLS, for the 2025 season. The absence of Korean players in the EPL's first team, with Hwang Hee-chan potentially leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers, highlights the shift in the involvement of Korean players in sports like football. Meanwhile, other promising young Korean footballers, such as Park Seung Soo, are progressing in the English system but are mainly seen in youth or reserve squads.
