Introduction to Naturalization in South Korean Football
At the 2022 World Cup, South Korea was one of only four nations, together with Brazil, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia, not to have a naturalized player in the squad. However, this is unlikely to be the case at the 2026 World Cup, as the East Asian nation has, for the first time in its history, chosen a male player born abroad who changed sporting nationalities in August. This movement could be more significant on the field than on the side.
The First Naturalized Player
Jens Castrop has lived his whole life in Germany but is now preparing to make his senior international debut against the USA for South Korea. The neighbors, China and Japan, have chosen a number of players born overseas who had either played in their domestic leagues or had family relationships with the country, according to the rules determined by the global governing body, FIFA. While South Korea chose the teenage Casey Pair, born in the USA, for the 2023 World Cup squad team of women, it was traditionally very rare to call players who lived their lives outside the country.
Naturalization in Football and Beyond
"Naturalization is, like the world, not only in football but also in other sports and industries, so we can expect more from it in the future," said Lee Sung-Mo, a Seoul-based author and translator. "Many people in the Korean media suggested that we should choose it for the Korean national team." Castrop’s quality is undeniable, representing Germany at various youth levels, and in August, he celebrated his first Bundesliga debut for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Fan and Media Reaction
"The majority of Korean fans are positive, and the media are also open to it," added Lee. "The story of how much he and his Korean mother were passionately interested in getting South Korean citizenship has moved the spirit of fans." This is important, as the national team of South Korea is an essential part of the country’s identity, literally known as a "representative team."
The Player’s Roots and Identity
"I always valued my roots and identity," said Castrop after his selection. "The selection of a national team is not about honor or conditions – it’s about where my heart really belongs." His mother, ancestor SOOEEON, moved to Düsseldorf in 1996 and wanted to emphasize his Asian heritage. "I always said Jens: ‘Your roots are Korean, and you have to have a Korean identity …’ My son’s heart is in Korea. It is Korean, no matter what … he thinks about military service as a secondary problem for him; for him, football comes above all."
The Issue of Military Service
The problem of compulsory military service is serious and sensitive in a country still technically at war with North Korea. All able-bodied men are commissioned for 18 to 21 months to serve until the time of their 28th in the armed forces or in general service of the country. Korean citizens have a responsibility, and the company frowns, especially the rich and/or famous, who look as if they were not fulfilled.
Castrop’s Awareness of Military Commitment
"I am fully aware of the military commitment, but what is most important is that I want to give everything I have for the Korean team," said Castrop. "I am in constant communication with the KFA [Korea Football Association] and my management about it. The Korean team is not about a pass – it’s about where I really belong." It is not yet clear whether Castrop, who has never lived in Korea, has to provide services – footballers usually do this by playing for the team of the military Gimcheon Sangmu, which is currently at the top level of domestic K-League – but it is already a topic of conversation.
Social Consensus on Military Service
"Military service in Korea is very demanding, and there is a strong social consensus that all men should serve in the armed forces, regardless of social class or status," said Dirk Bethann, professor at the Department of Economics and Political Science at Korea University in Seoul. "This common view also supports the idea that exceptions should be kept at an absolute minimum."
Potential Exceptions
There is a sporty path to earn liberation, e.g., in the Asia Games that footballer Son Heung-Min won in 2018, to maintain an exception. Castrop could be appointed for future competitions, which could help him avoid military service.
Future ImpLicensedations
There is a large Korean diaspora, especially in Europe and North America. If Castrop is successful on and off the field, more talents could follow in his footsteps, not just in football but in other sports as well. If he takes the team to the next level, this could help build support from fans and media.
A Positive Example
"Castrop can be a very important example of potential future players born abroad who want to play for the South Korean national team," said Lee. "If he could settle well in the team and play well, this will lead to positive reactions from fans, and in the future, they will be more open to players." However, this could also cause other problems, such as concerns about the identity of the team, as seen in Indonesia, which has naturalized several players born in Europe.
Adapting to the New Environment
"He will have some difficulties in communicating with his teammates, but we understand that he was really studying Korean and trying to learn more about the country," said South Korean coach Hong Myung-Bo. "We all have to work together to adapt him to the new environment as soon as possible." First, however, the coach said that Castrop has to show what he can do on the field. "The key will be for him to demonstrate his competitiveness in his position." The rest can come later.
