SEOUL: In a strategic move to fortify their squad, three-time defending K League 1 champions Ulsan HD FC have signed defender Yoon Jong-gyu, while regional rivals Pohang Steelers have retained veteran midfielder Kim Jong-woo with a new contract.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon, 26, has an extensive career in the K League, having debuted in the second division with Gyeongnam FC in 2017. He later played for FC Seoul in the top division from 2018 to 2022. Yoon completed his mandatory military service with Gimcheon Sangmu FC, where he contributed to the team's K League 2 title victory in 2023, earning them promotion to the K League 1 for 2024. After being discharged mid-2024, Yoon rejoined FC Seoul for 12 matches.
Throughout his club career, Yoon has accumulated 160 matches, including 136 in the K League 1. Internationally, he has represented South Korea at various levels, earning four caps for the senior national team between 2020 and 2022. Although included in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Yoon did not feature in any matches.
Ulsan praised Yoon's defensive capabilities and offensive contributions from the back, describing him as an ideal fit for head coach Kim Pan-gon's system. "He has already appeared in 160 matches in the K League at age 26 and has proven himself on national teams across different age groups," the club stated. "He will join Ulsan as he is about to enter his athletic prime. Considering our style of play, we felt he would be a great addition."
Yoon expressed his eagerness to meet the expectations of Ulsan and their supporters, stating, "In many ways, I will be writing a new chapter of my career with Ulsan. I will work hard during training camp and prepare myself for a good season." The team will depart for Dubai next Monday for their offseason training camp, aiming to become only the second team in K League history to secure four consecutive titles.
Meanwhile, Pohang Steelers announced that Kim Jong-woo, 31, will remain with the club after two successful seasons. Kim, known as the "King of Pohang," previously played for Suwon FC, Suwon Samsung Bluewings, and Gwangju FC. He played a crucial role in Pohang's consecutive Korea Cup championship victories, notably scoring the go-ahead goal in the 2023 final against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and assisting the winning goal in the 2024 final against Ulsan.
Kim expressed his determination to win a K League 1 title with Pohang, saying, "I decided to re-sign with Pohang because I wanted to win a K League 1 title with this club. I am happy to be back with these teammates in the new year."