With manager Park Taeha extending his contract through 2028, the Steelers are enjoying strong support from local fans despite some ups and downs in their performances last season. Having consistently finished in the top half of the table for the past four seasons, is it time for the five-time champions to embark on another long-desired quest for the title?
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Last Season
16 Wins, 8 Draws, 14 Losses, 4th Place
What Happened?
Pohang had a mixed 2025 season with a shaky start and a weak finish, but managed to secure a respectable fourth-place in the standings thanks to some solid results in between. The club maintains a strong rapport with its supporters, primarily due to wise recruitment choices, which have fostered an energetic atmosphere at their home ground, the Steelyard, despite performances that at times lacked luster.
Last season, the Steelers faced challenges in maintaining consistent form and struggled with scoring, making them susceptible to late comebacks by opponents. Luckily for Park Taeha and his squad, many competitors had an even tougher time, allowing Pohang to improve from their 2024 finish and secure a spot in the 2026-27 ACLE playoff round.
Strong defensive and midfield displays by players like Eo Jeongwon and Jeon Mingwang, alongside veteran goalkeeper Hwang Injae, helped prevent the team from falling into deeper trouble. Striker Lee Hojae, returning from injury, made a significant impact with 15 goals, though the team’s total of 41 goals demonstrated a need for improvement across the squad.
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Notable moments included impressive away victories against both Daegu and Gimcheon, results that had previously evaded Pohang. However, they also suffered a shocking 5-1 defeat at home to relegation-threatened Suwon FC and faced elimination from the Korea Cup by second-tier Gimpo. Overall, the Steelers showcased themselves as a reliable mid-table side, buoyed by events elsewhere in the league.
Oberdan:
Oberdan has been a key player since joining Pohang in 2023. His absence due to injury or suspension has been keenly felt, and his departure to Jeonju leaves a significant gap to fill in the midfield.
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Jakob Tranziska:
This 24-year-old center forward from Germany previously played for several second-tier clubs in Europe. Fans are optimistic that Tranziska can help address Pohang’s goal-scoring challenges, especially if Lee Hojae moves on this summer.
Shin Kwanghoon and Ki Sungyueng:
As revered veterans, both players have extended their contracts for another season, sparking excitement among fans. Ki provides calm leadership while Shin brings intensity, together offering invaluable experience to the squad as they navigate their often hectic schedules.
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Key Player
Nishiya Kento
Central midfielder Nishiya Kento has joined Pohang on loan from J League’s Sagan Tosu. Known for his stamina and playmaking ability, he is expected to fill the void left by Oberdan’s departure. A dynamic and adaptable player, Kento is eager to win the hearts of Pohang’s fans with his hard work and commitment on the field.
Young Player to Watch
Hong Seongmin
Pohang’s squad for 2026 includes Hong Seongmin, who made his professional debut last summer against Jeonbuk Hyundai. As the starting goalkeeper for South Korea’s U-23 team, it’s easy to forget that the Pohang academy graduate is still only 19. While he may not be ready for consistent starting roles, like his senior counterpart Lee Seunghwan, he could benefit from a couple of seasons on loan. Nevertheless, Hong undoubtedly possesses exciting potential.
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Biggest Question
Is a top-half finish sufficient?
The Steelers can be unpredictable, but they exhibit year-on-year consistency, being the only K League 1 team to have ended in the top half of the table for four consecutive seasons. Although a top-half finish is certainly preferable to finishing lower, do Pohang supporters have to accept simply being “better than average,” or can the Steelers strive for grander achievements?
There have been moments of brilliance for Pohang recently, notably finishing second in the league in 2023 and winning back-to-back Korea Cups in the following years. However, the memory of finishing as the runners-up in the 2021 AFC Champions League is starting to fade, and the aspiration for a K League title remains tantalizingly out of reach. Fans would love to see Pohang embark on a robust campaign that could reinvigorate hopes for a sixth K League title, if not just yet.
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Reason to Watch
Pohang’s Steelyard is undeniably a landmark in the history of Korean football and arguably the finest venue in the K League. The Steelers embody pride, resilience, and determination, mirroring the spirit of the city and its supporters. There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of the Blast Furnace when the team is performing well. The squad features a diverse array of personalities, each allowed to shine through both onและ off the field, creating a collective stronger than its individual parts. Whether you arrive in person or tune in from afar, experiencing the fervor of a club and fanbase deeply rooted in their history is a must.