"Competition is inevitable" - Ulsan HD skipper Kim Young-gwon on new centre back additions

Ulsan HD captain Kim Young-gwon says he isn't too concerned about younger players eyeing his position in the team, and that winter 2025 was a good time to execute a 'generational shift' within the playing squad.

Ulsan HD head into the 2025 season having been busy in the winter transfer window. Several of the club's older statesmen - the likes of Joo Min-kyu, Kim Kee-hee, and Lim Jong-eun - have left with younger replacements coming in.

Speaking exclusively to K League United after the first of two 2025 K League 1 Media Days concluded on Wednesday 5th February, captain and key centre back Kim Young-gwon, when asked whether now was a good time to execute something of a generational shift, said:

"I think it's a pretty good time. Also, the players who have joined aren’t just young; many of them are in the mid-to-senior range. They have experience, and some have even played for the national team, so I think that’s a great advantage."

At centre back, the Horangi have clawed the much-coveted Seo Myung-kwan away from Bucheon FC 1995 and the advances of other teams, and have also added Lee Jae-ik from Jeonbuk. Kim Young-gwon says he isn't too worried about the extra competition for places:

"Of course, competition is inevitable. This is the professional stage, after all. If those players perform well, it’s natural for them to get playing time. But I also have my own role and responsibilities, and I know I can contribute to the team in my own way. So I need to prepare well."

Ulsan begin the new season at home to newly-promoted FC Anyang on Sunday 16th February.