Jeon Jin-woo of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (C) is mobbed by teammate Hernandes after scoring against Daejeon Hana Citizen FC during the clubs’ K League 1 match at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, on May 6, 2025. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 26 (Korea Bizwire) — After learning Monday morning that he had made the South Korean men’s national team for the upcoming set of World Cup qualifying matches, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors forward Jeon Jin-woo had to do a double take.
The 25-year-old, who leads the K League 1 with 10 goals this year, simply couldn’t believe head coach Hong Myung-bo had picked him to represent the nation against Iraq and then Kuwait in June. Those will be South Korea’s final two matches of the third round in the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
“I kept checking my name over and over again. It was an unbelievable moment,” Jeon said in a statement released by Jeonbuk. “I didn’t even get to check all the other names on the squad list. It is an honor to be selected.”
Hong said he chose in-form players that may not have international experience over those who have had a taste of the national team but have not been playing well of late.
Jeon fits the first description. Though he has appeared in five games for the under-23 national team and 20 more for the under-20 squad, Jeon has yet to suit up for the senior squad.
But few players are as hot in the K League 1. He leads the top league with 10 goals, including four in his past four matches. He was voted the Player of the Month for April and is a strong candidate to repeat as the top player for May.
Jeon made his K League 1 debut with Suwon Samsung Bluewings in 2018, but the highly touted prospect didn’t live up to his early hype. He had been stuck at 11 career goals in 109 matches in the K League 1 prior to this year, and has nearly matched that goal total in just 15 matches this year.
That breakthrough has not gone unnoticed on the national team staff, with Hong praising Jeon’s ability to score in different setups and his sky-high confidence.
“Ever since I became a football player, I’ve always dreamed about playing for the senior national team,” Jeon said. “I can’t believe I’ve made the team. I am really excited and I will never forget this moment.”
Jeon said he will make sure he won’t get carried away when he dons the national team shirt come June.
“I don’t think I need to get too greedy or force the issue. I will be surrounded by other great players, and I just have to figure out what my role is and help the team win,” he said. “I will put aside my personal goals and do everything I can to help send the team to the World Cup.”
(Yonhap)
