Emerging naturalized athlete heralds a fresh chapter in South Korean football's history
Jens Castrop, a 22-year-old football player who has lived all his life in Germany, is set to make his senior international debut for South Korea against the United States on Saturday. This move marks a significant moment in South Korea's sports history, as it will mark the country's first time having a foreign-born player in its squad for the World Cup.
Born to a Korean mother and a German father, Castrop took South Korean citizenship for the first time in his life in August 2025. He represented Germany at various youth levels and made his top tier Bundesliga debut in August for Borussia Moenchengladbach.
The national team of South Korea, known as the 'representative team,' is an important part of the country's identity. With a large Korean diaspora existing, particularly in Europe and North America, Castrop's potential success on and off the pitch could inspire more talent to follow in his footsteps, not just in football but in other sports as well.
If Castrop helps the South Korean national team, it could help build support from fans and media. His debut comes after Son Heung-min's Olympic medal win in 2018, which enabled him to continue his career in Europe. Castrop could potentially be called up for future competitions.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo emphasized that Castrop needs to demonstrate his competitiveness on the pitch first. All able-bodied males in South Korea are mandated to serve for 18 to 21 months in the armed forces or in general service to the country. However, footballers often serve through playing for the military's team Gimcheon Sangmu in the top tier K-League. Exemptions from military service can be granted to athletes and artists who bring significant prestige to Korea, such as winning Olympic medals or gold at the Asian Games.
Castrop is aware of the military obligation in South Korea but has stated that what matters most is giving everything he has for the Korean team. He has been making an effort to learn more about the country and has faced challenges in communicating with his teammates. His mother, Ahn Soo-yeon, moved to Duesseldorf in 1996 and has been keen to emphasize his Asian heritage.
South Korea selected US-born teenager Casey Phair to the women's 2023 World Cup squad team, another indication of the country's openness to foreign-born talent. Dirk Bethmann, a professor at Korea University in Seoul, stated that athletes and artists contribute more to the country's national image and wellbeing through their professional work than they would as conscripts.
Indonesia has rapidly naturalized European-born players, leading to improved results but concerns over the identity of the team with Dutch and English becoming common languages around training sessions. As Castrop prepares to make his debut, he will undoubtedly face similar challenges and opportunities in building his identity as a member of the South Korean national team.
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