Kim, who spent five seasons with Ulsan at the start of his playing career, guided the club to their third consecutive K League title despite a run of inconsistent results early in his tenure.

The team’s form in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 was disappointing, however, with Ulsan winning only once in their seven league phase matches to miss out on a place in the competition’s knockout rounds.

Ulsan’s form in the 2025 K League has also been poor, with the club currently seventh in the standings, 23 points adrift of leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC.

Ulsan have qualified for the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26. The draw for the league phase will take place in Kuala Lumpur on August 15.