The K League Challenge was the second tier of professional football in South Korea, operating from 2013 to 2019. It featured clubs that aimed to gain promotion to the top division, the K League 1. The league was established to enhance the competitive structure of South Korean football. In 2020, the K League Challenge was rebranded as the K League 2. This change aimed to improve the league's visibility and attract more fans. The league continued to provide opportunities for clubs to develop talent and compete for promotion to the K League 1.