FC Seoul’s commanding lead in the 2026 K League 1 has shifted focus to a congested battle for runner-up among the championship-round contenders. Ulsan HD sits second on 47 points but trails by 18, while Gangwon FC, Jeju SK, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Daejeon Hana Citizen, Incheon United, Pohang Steelers, and FC Anyang cluster between 40 and 46 points after 31 rounds. Recent results, including Seoul’s 2-1 win over Jeju SK and Ulsan’s loss to Gwangju FC, have kept the gap narrow among the pursuers without establishing a clear second-place frontrunner. With seven matches remaining in the split format and several clubs showing comparable attacking output and defensive records, trader consensus reflects the parity and schedule-driven volatility that could still reorder the standings.