Austria Wien signs Taeseok Lee

The 23-year-old South Korean international Taeseok Lee is transferring from reigning cup winners Pohang Steelers to Vienna and has signed a contract with the Violets until summer 2029.

'First of all, I'm so happy and excited to join a team with such a rich history. I've also heard the club has amazing fans, and I'm thrilled and proud to be able to meet them. Personally and as a team, I'll work hard to help the team offensively I will do my best to celebrate successes together. Thank you very much for the opportunity I am being given here. Forza Viola,' says Taeseok Lee, who will wear his full name on the number 17 jersey.

Lee, who turned 23 on 28 July, played for FC Seoul's academy from 2015 and made the leap to the first team in 2021. He made his debut in the South Korean K League on 7 April 2021 and played a total of 89 league games for the capital club before moving to Pohang Steelers in the summer of 2024. He won the cup with the Steelers in November 2024 – South Korea has a year-round championship. He played for 120 minutes in the 3-1 final victory against Ulsan HD. From September 2024 to February 2025, the left winger also played seven games in the Asian Champions League.

National player & connection to Kang Hee Lee

Lee made his first appearance for a South Korean national team at the age of 14. In 2019, he took part in the U17 World Cup in Brazil and reached the quarter-finals with South Korea. After numerous appearances in the youth teams, he made his debut for the senior team on 14 November against Kuwait. By July 2025, Lee had played seven international matches for South Korea, six of which he started.

Taeseok Lee's father, Eulyong Lee, was not only a successful footballer and international player himself, but also Kang Hee Lee's coach at Gyeongnam FC from November 2024. This is one of the reasons why Taeseok and Kang Hee know each other: 'I'm happy to have a Korean player, Lee Kang Hee, on the team, and I'm excited to have the opportunity to play alongside him. As a former student of my father's, I've heard a lot about him and played with him on the national team, so I know he'll be a great player.' The two played together in five matches for the South Korean U23 national team.

Sporting director Manuel Ortlechner: 'We are really delighted to have signed Taeseok Lee, a current South Korean international. He brings a high level of understanding of the game, is willing to run, has a strong left foot and great potential for the left wing-back position. However, we are not only convinced of his footballing abilities, but also of his character. Even in our video calls, it was clear that he has a healthy self-confidence, and this was confirmed when we met him in person.'