Transfers: Ulsan HD sign full back Yoon Jong-gyu, forward Yoon Jae-seok

Ulsan HD has kicked off their 2025 winter transfer market by signing right-back Yoon Jong-gyu from FC Seoul and young forward Yoon Jae-seok from Jeonnam Dragons.

Ulsan's very first signing of the year is Yoon Jong-gyu who, with 160 appearances in the K League and experience as a national team player, will strengthen Ulsan’s defensive lineup.

Right full back Yoon Jong-gyu began his journey with the national team as part of the U-17 squad, progressing through the youth ranks. After graduating from Shingal High School in 2016, he signed a rookie contract with FC Seoul and was named to the FIFA U-20 World Cup squad the same year, showcasing his potential as a rising star. 

Despite his young age, Yoon steadily earned more playing time, and became a starter for FC Seoul from the 2019 season. In 2020, he shed the “prospect” label by winning the AFC U-23 Championship with the South Korean national team.

Yoon played over 30 league games in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. His performances earned him a spot on the senior national team, culminating in his selection as a defender for South Korea at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Ahead of the 2023 season, Yoon joined Gimcheon Sangmu to fulfill his mandatory military service. During his first year, he appeared in 17 league matches, helping the team secure the K League 2 title. The following year, he made 21 appearances for both Gimcheon and his original club FC Seoul in the K League 1, proving his continued reliability post-military duty.

Yoon, 26, is known for his stamina, speed, and involvement in build-up play, and is entering his prime and is ready to make his mark with Ulsan.

Under the leadership of manager Kim Pan-gon, Ulsan targeted Yoon for his playing style and aggressive offensive contributions, considering him a perfect fit for the team’s strategy.

Having achieved success in both K League 1 and 2, as well as international competitions, Yoon is poised to further solidify his career by participating in the 2025 AFC Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with Ulsan.

Expressing his excitement, Yoon said, “This will be my first time wearing a blue home jersey since turning professional. Joining Ulsan feels like the start of a new chapter in my career. I’m fully aware of the expectations from the club and fans, and I’ll dedicate myself to preseason training to deliver outstanding performances.”

Ulsan HD also announced the signing of K League 2 Young Player of the Year nominee Yoo Jae-seok from Jeonnam Dragons.

Recognized for his dynamic dribbling and ability to exploit spaces, Yoon immediately stood out on the professional stage. In his debut match during the 2024 season opener against Bucheon FC 1995, Yoon scored an early goal, reminiscent of the decisive strike he made in the college tournament final against Soongsil University. This display of his strengths instantly captivated fans.

Building on the momentum from his debut, Yoon played 16 matches in the first half of the season, recording three goals and one assist, solidifying his place among the league's top prospects. His impressive performances led to a summer transfer to Jeonnam Dragons.

At Jeonnam, Yoon continued to showcase his trademark boldness and clutch performances, scoring three goals in 13 league appearances. Notably, two of these were last-minute game-winners, demonstrating his composure and determination under pressure. He further solidified his reputation by scoring in the promotion playoffs, a critical stage for K League 1 advancement.

Rising to prominence in just one season, Yoon earned a nomination for the K League 2 "Young Player of the Year" award for the 2024 season. Although he narrowly missed winning, his debut season was a resounding success, cementing his potential.

Yoon brings not only speed and dribbling ability, essential traits for a forward, but also defensive contributions and relentless work rate, making him a valuable addition across all positions for Ulsan. As a U-22 player, Yoon is expected to play extensively next season, with opportunities to fully showcase his talent.

Now joining the reigning K League 1 champions, Yoon expressed his determination: “I’ve put last season and the awards behind me. I’m approaching this as a fresh start in a new environment. Missing out on the Young Player award last year has motivated me for the upcoming season, as I still have another chance to compete for it. With the guidance of Ulsan’s top-notch coaching staff and veteran players, I’m determined to quickly make a significant impact.”

Via Ulsan HD press release