The 2025 Hana Bank K League 1 season was a challenging one for Ulsan HD, marked by three managerial changes, 12 fewer wins than the champions, 16 losses, and a total of only the third-fewest goals scored. Ultimately, Ulsan finished ninth, narrowly avoiding relegation on the final matchday.
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What Went Well
Ulsan managed to evade the relegation playoffs, which was a significant relief. However, a ninth-place finish, secured only due to favorable results on the final day of the season, highlighted a tumultuous year for a club that had recently celebrated three consecutive K League title victories. Despite these domestic struggles, Ulsan’s performance in the ACLE was relatively solid, achieving two wins, two draws, and two losses, putting them on track to qualify for the knockout stages.
What Didn’t Go Well
The anticipated generational shift did not materialize, nor did the two managerial appointments yield the desired outcomes. Both Kim Pan-gon and Shin Tae-yong were dismissed, leading to unrest within the squad. The appointment of Noh Sang-rae as caretaker manager, although a familiar figure, was not well-received, and he faced the daunting responsibility of steering the club clear of relegation. Across the three managers, Kim Pan-gon achieved eight wins, Shin Tae-yong only one, and Noh Sang-rae three.
Ulsan’s fortunes seemed promising until the lead-up to the Club World Cup, but following three consecutive losses in the U.S., their momentum faltered drastically. They went on a stretch of 11 matches without a win, and after a brief lift with a victory over Jeju, they fell into another losing streak, ending with seven matches without a league win. Despite having experienced players like Kim Young-gwon and Lee Chung-yong, Ulsan struggled to break free from their poor form.
Additionally, a lack of attacking prowess left Ulsan as one of the lowest-scoring teams in the Final B, with only a handful of goals across the season.
Young Player of the Year
Choi Seok-hyeon, Defender
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Choi Seok-hyeon earned the title of Ulsan’s young player of the year for his impressive versatility, edging out winger Yoon Jae-seok (30 matches, 1 goal) and attacking midfielder Back In-woo (12 matches, 1 goal). Choi showcased his capability to play various roles, whether as a right-sided center-back in a three-man defense or as a right-back in a four-man lineup, even stepping into left midfield on occasion. With 23 appearances, his strongest performances came between July and October, including nine matches in a sequence from Round 23 to Round 32. However, with the signing of Jung Seung-hyun, Choi has found himself lower in the hierarchy, but he still demonstrated growth in his second season at the K League 1 level.
Team MVP
Darijan Bojanic, Midfielder
Despite criticisms for being too polished for a relegation battle—characterized by his “pretty technique” by then-manager Shin Tae-yong—Darijan Bojanic proved to be a crucial player for Ulsan this season. Faced with periods when the midfield appeared directionless, Bojanic’s ability to transition fluidly between offense and defense stood out. Without his presence, Ulsan tended to stagnate, even in dire situations. Bojanic should remain a key figure in Ulsan’s plans for the upcoming 2026 season.
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Most Disappointing Player
Lee Jin-hyun, Attacking Midfielder
The acquisition of Lee Jin-hyun seemed like a strategic win for Ulsan, given his prior successes with Pohang, Daegu, and Daejeon before his stint in Poland. However, for reasons that remain unclear, Lee struggled to make an impact in his new environment. Like many of Ulsan’s signings in 2025, his season was marred by the upheaval of three different managerial regimes. With just one goal and two assists in the league, Lee’s disappointing contribution stands in stark contrast to his previous season with Daejeon, where he netted three goals and provided six assists. This raises questions about what shifted in his performance.
Most Important Decision of the Off-Season
The only silver lining from the tough 2025 season is that it presents a chance for Ulsan to improve. The club has appointed legend Kim Hyun-seok as manager, which is likely to resonate positively with fans. Given the size of Ulsan’s squad, even with departures including Gustav Ludwigson and Um Won-sang, determining the team’s tactical shape becomes essential. Last season at Jeonnam Dragons, Kim predominantly employed a 5-3-2 formation, while Ulsan’s previous management utilized a back three sporadically with limited success. In his successful 2024 campaign at Chungnam Asan, Kim leaned more towards a 4-3-3 system with occasional back three usage. The critical question is whether Ulsan possesses the right personnel to execute either formation. This is the challenge that awaits Kim Hyun-seok.