One League, Two Nations: The Opportunity of a K–J Football Merger

I don’t usually watch TV, but recently I caught an impressive show, not just for its material content, but for its far-reaching social implications, particularly for young people. The show, Korea Japan Super-match - Korean Wrestlers vs Sumo. The show pits Japanese sumo wrestlers against Korea’s traditional wrestlers. What struck me most, as someone who has had the good fortune of living in both countries, was the deep respect each athlete showed their opponent, and the grace they displayed in victory.

Beyond the bouts themselves, the programme captures something greater: the wrestlers sitting together afterward, dining and talking as friends, sharing food across a long table despite their fierce rivalry. It is a vivid reminder that respect and cooperation can flourish even between competitors.

This spirit of international mutual regard stands in sharp contrast to some of the darker Korea Japan headlines we are often fed, from territorial disputes to unresolved wounds of war and colonial occupation. These are deeply sensitive issues that deserve accurate recording for historical scholarship, yet they often resurface when domestic policies falter and weak politicians seek a distraction, a common strategy seen in many democracies around the world.

But this dark part of history includes immense human tragedy. Sexual violence in war is sadly a recurring crime, often committed by soldiers driven by anger, loss, or a desire to dehumanize their enemy; not a desire for sex.

Yet this rage must not be confused with the organised exploitation of women under the comfort station system, which was a calculated policy to sustain occupying forces. The crimes committed against these young women were not isolated acts of battle violence, but part of a systematic network of sexual slavery overseen by the Japanese army during its occupation. Such sexual crimes are arguably worse than murder, for the victims were condemned to live with their trauma long after the war ended, and no one should ever expect them to forgive what was done.

But those of us not personally touched by this trauma are better able to move on in the understanding that those who committed these crimes are likely no longer alive and such state sponsored criminality would not be tolerated by today’s generation, who are also shamed by this indelible stain on their country’s past.

Yet while politicians have too often stumbled in handling these painful legacies, athletes have shown another way forward. On the mat, the field, and the pitch, rivalry between Korea and Japan has transformed into mutual admiration, a quiet diplomacy built on discipline, fairness, and shared passion rather than political agendas.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Olympic Games. Japan first entered in 1912 Stockholm, while South Korea only began competing in the 1948 London Games. Yet despite that later start, Korea has steadily closed the medal gap. Japan has earned over 180 golds and more than 500 total medals, while South Korea now holds around 160 golds and 350 medals. The numbers tell a story of how rivalry can strengthen both sides.

Football highlights another opportunity for cooperation and growth. The K-League is valued at approximately $156-million, while the J-League stands at roughly $350-million. In contrast, the English Premier League exceeds $14-billion, with clubs easily filling 70,000-seat stadia every weekend.

Sadly, both K and J league teams play in near-empty stands, reflecting limited supporter bases and the loss of potential revenue. To fix this I suggest a merger of the K-League and J-League which could dramatically enhance the value of both competitions, attracting larger audiences, increased sponsorship, and better media rights deals. The 2002 Korea–Japan World Cup proved that when the two nations work together, they can create something truly world-class.

Beyond the pitch, such a merger could also stimulate cross-border tourism. In 2024, South Korea welcomed roughly 8.82 million visitors from Japan, while Japan hosted around 6.96 million visitors from South Korea. This robust travel flow suggests that weekend football travel between the two countries could become a major economic driver, benefiting airlines, hotels, restaurants, bars, and the wider hospitality industry.

Both Korea and Japan have already shown how cooperation can yield prosperity. In 2024, trade between the two nations reached $77.2 billion, with a steadily shrinking deficit in Korea’s favour, evidence of Japan’s confidence in Korean manufacturing and innovation.

A union of the K- and J-Leagues could build on this existing cooperation, unlocking new financial opportunities and expanding the reach of both competitions. Greater attendance, stronger sponsorship, and improved media rights would bring tangible benefits to local clubs. The new league could also help fund school-level football, preventing the loss of raw talent whose families cannot afford private football hagwons, while cross-border travel for matches would continue to boost tourism and support local businesses.

From the echo of the wrestling mat to the roar of the stadium, Korea and Japan have turned rivalry into respect. A united K–J league could carry that spirit further, linking economies, cultures, and generations through a shared love of the beautiful game. Some memories can never be erased, nor should they be, yet the light of the future shines brightest when we walk toward it together.

Anthony Hegarty MSc

Opinion Column - Criminal Psychology: Inside Out

The Korean version of this article was published in my Opinion Column on 30th October 2025 in the Maeil Shinbun Newspaper (Print edition). The (Korean) online version can be read here: Anthony Hegarty - Inside Out [앤서니 헤가티의 범죄 심리 - 인사이드 아웃] 한·일 축구 통합 리그: 두 나라, 하나의 기회 - 매일신문