Transfer Profile: Nam Jun-jae

In a move that was unexpected by many, Nam Jun-jae has joined Jeju United in the summer transfer window.  In return, Incheon have received Kim Ho-nam.  It is a curious move because both sides are currently in a dead heat at the bottom of the table, and there is a distinct possibility that one of them will succumb to relegation at the end of the season for the first time in club history.  Jeju are getting a player that was very highly regarded at his former club, and, with the islanders in need of goals, his expertise as a winger should be a perfect fit.  KLU's Branko Belan along with Live From Incheon's Luke Evans has a closer look at Jeju's second added player in this summer transfer window.
(Image via Jeju United)

In thirteen appearances for Incheon this season, he managed only a single goal, which came in a 2-1 win over Gyeongnam FC in the second week of the season.  The 31 year old Gyeongju native has featured as a winger for the majority of his career and is capable of playing on both flanks as well as up top as a center forward.

He has made stops at Jeonnam and Seongnam FC, finished his military service with Asan Mugunghwa, and played for Incheon on three separate occasions during his career.  He also played a few games for Jeju United all the way back in the second half of 2011, but he didn't quite catch on with the squad back then.

Luke Evans, who runs Live From Incheon on Twitter, provides us with some insight as to what the veteran player can offer the islanders as they attempt to turn their less than impressive season around.

How was he viewed at Incheon?  League wide?

Nam Joon-jae was a cult hero at Incheon.  His 200th game for the club had just been celebrated, prior to him leaving.  He was the captain and was respected by the fans and players alike.  He returned to Incheon last summer, having played for Seongnam since 2015.  His arrival last summer helped balance a team that was over reliant on Moon Seon-min on the left wing, chipping in with four goals and three assists in the final few months of the campaign.

He doesn’t seem to be widely known in Korea, but this works in his favour as he seems to slip under the radar.

What are the strongest aspects of his game?

Nam Joon-jae will run for days.  He tracks back, battles for balls and, for a winger, is uncharacteristically strong.  He has also demonstrated good leadership skills at a time when Incheon have a very young and inexperienced squad.

Does he have any weaknesses?

It’s not unfair to say that his final ball and decision making needs a little work.  He can be very one dimensional, running to the by-line and crossing in hope of finding a blue shirt.  Trying to vary his output, whether by cutting inside or choosing a better pass might find him more successful.

What was his reason for leaving?

There was genuine disbelief when it was announced that the club captain was leaving.  I don’t know that it was the player’s choice, or that he was given a choice.  It wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination to say that the decision was made higher up.  He has been injured a few times this year, so perhaps the powers-that-be were looking for someone younger.  Whatever the reason, it’s been regarded as a terrible piece of business by the fans on social media.

Where do you think he will be best utilized with Jeju?

He’s mainly a right winger, but can go up front when called upon.  He doesn’t have the best goal-scoring record, but takes chances as they are presented to him.

What should Jeju fans expect from him?


Lots of endeavour. He will work from the first whistle to the last, and always give everything he has.  He’s also prone to flashes of genius, too.

Best moment with Incheon?


His goal in the final game of the season last year against Jeonnam was special.  He’s scored a few, but that’s probably the best, especially with it coming in such an important game.



Commenting on moving to the island for the second time in his career, Nam said "I did not meet the fans expectations when I wore the Jeju uniform in 2011.  I want to show a performance they have never seen before."

He did not feature on the weekend against Suwon, but the hope is that he will be called upon against FC Seoul in midweek so that both his new teammates and fans alike can have a first look at what he will bring to the tangerine orange as they look to dig themselves out of the depths of the K League basement.