Hong Jae-seok (20-Ulsan HD FC) had a successful professional debut.

Ulsan HD FC (Ulsan) drew 1-1 away to Incheon United in the 15th round of the Hana Bank K League 1 2024 on Monday at the Incheon Football Stadium, thanks to a late equalizer from Uhm Won-sang.

With a tight midweek-to-weekend schedule, Ulsan used a partial rotation of Lim Jong-joong, Kim Min-hyuk, Kelvin, and Martin Adam on the day, and included “new face” 온라인카지노 Hong Jae-seok on the bench.

Hong Myung-bo made a change at the start of the second half, bringing on Kim Young-kwon for Im Jong. With only one center-back change left on the card, there was an unexpected twist in the 14th minute when Kim Ki-hee went down with a bruise.

In the end, Hong opted to bring on Hong Jae-seok as a substitute. With Ulsan down 1-0 after conceding a goal to Mpoku, Hong Jae-seok took to the field with the responsibility of keeping the defense clean for the remainder of the game.

Luckily, Hong Jae-seok’s steady defense kept Ulsan from conceding another goal, and Ulsan evened the score at 1-1 in the 36th minute when Uhm Won-sang found the back of the net with a neat shot from Rubikson’s cross.

While they had to settle for a point to stay in second place, Ulsan took solace in the discovery of a “special prospect” in Hong Jae-seok. “He made one or two big mistakes, but he played steadily,” Hong said, adding, “That’s how players grow and learn. We have confirmed that he is a resource that can cover our weaknesses,” he said, giving a thumbs-up.

Hong, a former Jeonju University player who joined Ulsan Citizens Football Club in the K3 League in 2023, showed promise in 10 games last season. His neat build and physicality at 6-foot-2, 80 kilograms is said to have caught the eye of Hong, who is looking to generate a long-term defense.

When Hong Jae-seok made his professional debut for Ulsan, the club became the first professional player to come from the club. Previously, Kim Ki-soo (now PSMS Medan) joined Suwon FC in 2022, but failed to make a first-team appearance.