Seol Young-woo biography outlines the impressive rise of a versatile South Korean full-back who has become a defensive stalwart for both his club and country. Born on December 5, 1998, in Ulsan, South Korea, Seol possesses an exceptional work rate, tactical flexibility, and the ability to operate comfortably on either the right or left flank. His steady defensive positioning and overlapping runs have made him a highly sought-after modern defender.

Currently applying his trade in Europe, Seol plays for Red Star Belgrade (Crvena zvezda) in the Serbian SuperLiga. Since making the leap to European football, he has rapidly adapted to the physical demands of the league and established himself as a reliable starter. Throughout the 2025 and 2026 campaigns, he gained invaluable experience competing in both domestic fixtures and high-pressure UEFA Europa League matches against top-tier European opposition.

Internationally, Seol has solidified his place within the South Korea national team rotation. Having impressed head coach Hong Myung-bo with his defensive consistency and versatility, he was officially named to the 2026 FIFA World Cup roster. His ability to seamlessly transition from defense to attack makes him a crucial component of the Taegeuk Warriors' tactical setup on the global stage.

👤 Profile at a Glance

Full Name Seol Young-woo
Date of Birth December 5, 1998
Age 27 years old
Birthplace Ulsan, South Korea
Nationality South Korean
Profession Professional Soccer Player
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Education University of Ulsan (2019)
Marital Status Single
Net Worth $3 Million (2026)

🎓 Education

University of Ulsan (2017-2019) - Played collegiate football under the legendary manager Yoo Sang-chul before transitioning to the professional ranks.

Hyundai High School (2014-2016) - Honed his skills in Ulsan Hyundai's youth academy system, standing out as a premier defensive prospect.

💼 Career

Seol Young-woo's professional career began with his hometown club, Ulsan Hyundai, where he debuted in 2020. He quickly proved his worth as an incredibly versatile defender capable of playing as a left-back, right-back, or even on the wing. In his breakout 2021 season, he was awarded the K League Young Player of the Year, recognizing his outstanding defensive contributions and tactical maturity.

Over the next few seasons, Seol became an undisputed starter for Ulsan Hyundai, helping the club secure consecutive K League 1 championships in 2022 and 2023. His consistent domestic performances, characterized by relentless stamina and precise crossing, attracted the attention of European scouts looking for a reliable, hard-working full-back.

In the summer of 2024, Seol secured a major transfer to European football, signing with Serbian powerhouse Red Star Belgrade (Crvena zvezda). He seamlessly integrated into the squad, providing defensive stability and offensive width. Throughout the 2025-2026 season, he competed regularly in the Serbian SuperLiga and the UEFA Europa League, testing his skills against formidable clubs like LOSC Lille and Celta de Vigo.

Internationally, Seol represented South Korea at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics and won a Gold Medal at the 2022 Asian Games, securing a mandatory military exemption. He made his senior national team debut in 2023 and quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff.

Having established himself in Europe, Seol became a regular fixture for the South Korean defense during the World Cup qualification rounds. His consistent club form and international reliability guaranteed his selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, marking a massive milestone in his athletic journey.

🏠 Personal Life

Seol Young-woo was born and raised in Ulsan, South Korea, maintaining a deep bond with the local community where he spent his youth and early professional career. He is widely praised for his cheerful personality and exceptional professionalism, earning the affection of teammates and fans alike. Despite his growing fame, he maintains a focused, disciplined lifestyle in Europe.

In early 2024, Seol found himself in the public spotlight due to dating rumors linking him to Yang Ye-na, a former member of the K-pop girl group APRIL. However, reports quickly confirmed that while they had dated, the couple had already broken up due to their incredibly busy schedules before the news even broke. As of 2026, he remains single and intensely focused on his football career.

Off the pitch, Seol enjoys exploring fashion and occasionally participates in athletic endorsements in South Korea. His primary focus, however, remains entirely on his physical conditioning and ensuring he is in peak form to represent his country at the 2026 World Cup.

🏆 Achievements & Awards

  • K League 1 Champion with Ulsan Hyundai (2022, 2023)
  • K League Young Player of the Year (2021)
  • Asian Games Gold Medal (2022/2023)

💬 Notable Quotes

Transitioning to European football was a massive challenge, but the physical battles in the Europa League have made me a much stronger defender.

— Seol Young-woo

Winning the Asian Games and the K League with Ulsan gave me the confidence I needed to test myself on the global stage.

— Seol Young-woo

To be named to the World Cup roster is the ultimate dream. I am ready to sacrifice everything on the pitch for my country.

— Seol Young-woo

❓ People Also Ask

Seol Young-woo is famous for being a versatile South Korean full-back who plays for Red Star Belgrade and the South Korea national team.
Born on December 5, 1998, Seol Young-woo is 27 years old as of 2026.
His estimated net worth in 2026 is around $3 Million, supported by his European club contract and South Korean endorsements.
He was born and raised in Ulsan, South Korea, and spent his early professional career with Ulsan Hyundai.
As of 2026, Seol Young-woo is single, having previously been linked to former K-pop idol Yang Ye-na before their breakup.
He plays for the Serbian SuperLiga club Red Star Belgrade (Crvena zvezda) and the South Korea national team.