Korea’s Biggest FM Streamer Quits FM26 – Football Manager 26 in Trouble?

In a surprising twist for the Football Manager community, one of South Korea’s biggest FM streamers has announced that he’s quitting Football Manager 26 (FM26) altogether. His reason? A growing frustration with the game’s match engine, user interface, and overall gameplay experience.

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Who Is Korea’s Biggest Football Manager Streamer?

 

The streamer in question, Han Dong-Suk (한동석), is one of the most recognisable names in the Korean Football Manager scene. Known for pulling tens of thousands of live viewers during his broadcasts, he’s long been a bridge between Football Manager’s global audience and Korea’s passionate tactical gaming community.

Han was reportedly sponsored by Sports Interactive (SI) to complete a three-season playthrough in FM26 — but he didn’t make it past the first. During a live stream, he explained that he “just didn’t feel like doing anything anymore,” adding that the UI felt clunky and unrewarding, while the new match visuals lacked depth.

He went on to say, “Don’t bother sponsoring next time — just make FM27 a good game.”

That moment has since gone viral across the Football Manager subreddit, igniting debate about whether FM26 has drifted too far from what made the series special.

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Why He Quit Football Manager 26

 

Han’s complaints echo a lot of what fans have been saying since launch:

• The FM26 UI overhaul looks modern but sacrifices efficiency — especially when trying to analyse players, tactics, and opposition data.

• The FM26 match engine, though more visually detailed, feels disconnected from reality. Goals, player decisions, and defensive positioning often feel random.

• Even FM26’s sponsorship and marketing focus seem aimed at new players and streamers, rather than Football Manager’s long-term fanbase.

Many fans who followed his channel agreed. One comment summed it up perfectly: “If even someone sponsored to play the game can’t push through a season, what hope do the rest of us have?”

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A Reflection of the Wider FM26 Community Reaction

Han Dong-Suk’s frustration didn’t emerge in a vacuum. The FM26 community reaction has been a mix of enthusiasm for the new graphics and exhaustion with bugs, clunky menus, and inconsistent gameplay.

Our recent feature on The Football Manager Community’s Response to the New FM26 Patch Update, noted how the 26.0.4 FM26 patch improved stability but left many underlying issues untouched. It captured the mood perfectly — players appreciate the updates, but the core gameplay loop still feels less rewarding than in previous versions.

If you missed the details, our own deep dive on the FM26 Patch 26.0.4 update covers all the fixes and changes that Sports Interactive introduced in their most recent release.

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What It Means for the Future of Football Manager

For Sports Interactive, this is more than a single streamer quitting — it’s a warning sign. When your most influential sponsored creator publicly walks away, it suggests the problems aren’t just isolated bugs but fundamental design concerns.

The FM26 gameplay experience seems torn between accessibility for newcomers and depth for long-time fans. The modern look and smoother graphics are great for first impressions, but Football Manager has always been about data, detail, and tactical immersion — and that’s what players like Han feel has been lost.

If you’re struggling with similar issues, our guide on the Best Settings and Mods for FM26 can help make the game smoother, faster, and closer to the classic FM feel.

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The Takeaway

Han Dong-Suk’s departure is a powerful statement from a respected voice in the Football Manager world. It shows how deeply some of the series’ core fans feel about FM26’s direction, and it’s something Sports Interactive can’t afford to ignore.

The next major update — expected later this month — could determine whether FM26 finds its footing or becomes another divisive entry. Until then, many long-time players might stick with FM24, waiting to see if FM27 brings back the depth and satisfaction that made Football Manager the game it used to be.

Make sure you check our Feature Articles section for more FM26 News and to stay informed with all SI patches and updates.