1. Overview
Bae Seul-ki (배슬기Bae Seul-kiKorean; born 9 June 1985) is a former South Korean footballer who played as a centre-back. His professional career spanned from the National League to a significant tenure with Pohang Steelers in the K League. After an extensive playing career, including winning the K League Classic and two FA Cups, he transitioned into a new role in youth scouting. This article outlines his early life, professional club career, statistics, honours, and post-playing career.
2. Early Life
Bae Seul-ki was born on 9 June 1985. He attended Gwangyang Jecheol Middle School and Gwangyang Jecheol High School before enrolling in Konkuk University. His education at Konkuk University provided the foundation for his professional football aspirations.
3. Club Career
Bae Seul-ki's club career began in the National League before he made his mark in the K League, notably with Pohang Steelers, where he spent the majority of his professional playing years.
3.1. Early Career
After graduating from Konkuk University, Bae Seul-ki applied for the 2009 K League Draft but was not selected by any team. Following this, he joined Incheon Korail, a club in the semi-professional National League. He quickly established himself as a key defensive player for Incheon Korail, making 9 appearances in the 2008 National League season and an increased 22 appearances in the 2009 National League season. In 2010, he joined Police FC (currently Ansan Mugunghwa FC), which was then part of the R League, to fulfill his mandatory military service.
3.2. Pohang Steelers
Upon completing his military service, Bae Seul-ki re-entered the K League Draft, participating in the 2012 K League Draft. As a player born in 1985, he was among the three oldest applicants in that year's draft class. He was eventually selected in the fourth round by Pohang Steelers, marking his entry into the top-tier K League. Although he did not make any appearances during the 2012 K League season, he made his K League debut on 13 April 2013, starting in an away match against Gyeongnam FC. He went on to play a total of three matches in the 2013 K League Classic season.
His playing time gradually increased during the 2014 K League Classic season, and on 3 May, he scored his first professional goal in a match against Seongnam FC. By the 2015 K League Classic season, Bae Seul-ki had established himself as a regular starter, making more appearances than his fellow centre-back teammates, Kim Kwang-seok and Kim Won-il. He remained a consistent presence in the Pohang Steelers' defense until his retirement after the 2019 K League 1 season.
4. Career Statistics
As of 31 December 2018, Bae Seul-ki's career statistics with Pohang Steelers are as follows:
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | Continental | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Pohang Steelers | 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 18 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 27 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | 29 | 0 | ||
| 2016 | 26 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 30 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 36 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | 36 | 2 | ||
| 2018 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 17 | 0 | ||
| 2019 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | 12 | 1 | ||
| Career Total | 135 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 145 | 5 | |
5. Honours
Bae Seul-ki achieved significant team success during his time with Pohang Steelers:
- K League
- 2013 K League Classic Winner
- FA Cup
- 2012 Winner
- 2013 Winner
6. Retirement and Post-Playing Career
After the conclusion of the 2019 K League 1 season, Bae Seul-ki announced his retirement from professional football. Following his retirement from playing, he transitioned into a new role within his former club. From the 2020 season onwards, Bae Seul-ki began working as a youth scout for Pohang Steelers, contributing to the development of future football talent.