Jung Woo-young

Jung Woo-young is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back. Born in Ulsan, he has built a career marked by international experience, including a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a spot in the 2018 World Cup squad. As of 2026, he is 36 years old and continues to compete professionally, most recently with Kataller Toyama.

Known for his tactical discipline and versatility, Jung has been a steady presence in the defensive third throughout his career. His ability to read the game and adapt to different roles has made him a reliable asset for club and country. While not a household name in global football, his contributions on the pitch have earned respect from teammates and coaches alike. [edit]

Jung Woo-young grew up in Ulsan, a coastal city in southeastern South Korea known for its industrial port and passionate football culture. Details about his childhood and family are scarce, but his development as a footballer likely began in local youth programs, where his height and composure on the ball stood out early.

He progressed through the ranks of South Korean football, eventually earning a place in the national setup. His breakthrough came when he was selected for the South Korea under-23 team, which would go on to compete at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. That selection marked the culmination of years of hard work and signaled his arrival on the international stage.

Before turning fully professional, Jung honed his skills in the domestic league system, where his versatility as a defensive midfielder and centre-back became his trademark. His early career was characterized by steady improvement and a commitment to team success over individual accolades. [edit]

Jung Woo-young's international career reached a high point in 2012 when he was part of the South Korean squad that secured a bronze medal at the London Olympics. The team's run to the podium was a historic achievement, and Jung played a role in a defense that conceded just three goals in six matches.

Six years later, he was named to the South Korea squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He joined a team featuring stars like Heung-Min Son and Ja-Cheol Koo under head coach Shin Tae-Yong. Although South Korea was eliminated in the group stage, the tournament gave Jung valuable experience on the world's biggest stage.

At club level, Jung has been associated with several teams, including Ulsan HD and, more recently, Kataller Toyama in Japan. His transfer market value is estimated at €225,000 as of the 2026/27 season, reflecting his status as an experienced, reliable defensive option. He continues to play professionally into his mid-thirties, a testament to his fitness and professionalism. [edit]

Jung Woo-young's public image is that of a dependable, no-nonsense defender. He is not a flashy player, but his consistency and tactical awareness have earned him respect among teammates and coaches. In South Korea, he is known as a solid international who contributed to the Olympic bronze, but he is not a celebrity figure in the way that some of his national teammates are.

On social media, he maintains a low profile, with Instagram and Twitter accounts that are not widely followed compared to entertainment figures. Fans of the national team appreciate his dedication, but he does not have an official fandom name or the kind of fan culture seen with K-pop idols. [edit]

Jung Woo-young is currently evaluated by the iFANN Global Fame Engine but does not hold a placement in the published rankings, standing outside the Global Top 1,000 and any Top-100 scope list. This status reflects a profile of steady professional recognition rather than mass-market celebrity dominance. While his name appears across multiple disciplines, the footballer Jung Woo-young commands respect within specific sporting circles without generating the broad cultural footprint required for a ranked position. The ATEEZ member sharing this birth name benefits from the massive global reach of the group's fanbase, yet maintains no solo ranking distinct from the collective entity. No formal fandom name exists specifically for the athlete; support comes through club supporter groups or national team followers rather than an organized idol community. Similarly, the baseball pitcher lacks a dedicated fan organization with a unique identifier. The absence of a named fandom for the footballer aligns with industry norms where players are supported by institutional clubs rather than individualized fan movements. In contrast, the ATEEZ member operates within the structured ecosystem of ATINY, though this designation applies to the entire group rather than him as a solo act. His public presence remains defined by athletic discipline and professional consistency rather than viral phenomena or legendary status that typically drives fame metrics. The lack of a documented rank suggests a career built on longevity and reliability rather than headline-grabbing moments or widespread media saturation.[edit]

Jung Woo-young's Wikipedia page is available in 23 languages, with Japanese readers showing the most interest, likely because of his current club in Japan. His name has several romanization variants, including Jeong U-yeong and Woo-young Jung, which can lead to confusion with other athletes. He is a former South Korea international, meaning he has retired from national team duty as of the 2026/27 season. His Wikidata ID is Q180941, and his height of 186 cm makes him a commanding presence in defense. Despite his long career, no notable quotes from him have been widely published in English-language media. A notable recent event occurred on January 10, 2026, at Berlin's Stadion An der Alten Försterei, billed as the "Korean Derby" between Korean players Jung Woo-young and Lee Jae-sung, where both players delivered strong performances. This match highlighted his continued relevance in European football. In June 2026, a different Jung Woo-young, a pitcher for the LG Twins, took the mound in the top of the seventh inning during a KBO Futures League game when his team trailed 1-4, noted as a sign of potential career revival. These events represent documented sporting achievements rather than folklore, distinguishing them from the viral legends often associated with entertainment figures.[edit]

Public information about Jung Woo-young's family is virtually nonexistent. No credible sources have named his parents or siblings, and he has not shared details about his upbringing in interviews. This is typical for footballers who keep their private lives out of the spotlight.

As of 2026, there is no record of Jung being married or having children. He appears to keep his personal relationships private, and no public statements have been made about his family status. [edit]

Heung-Min Son, a South Korea national teammate, played alongside Jung at the 2018 World Cup. Ja-Cheol Koo also shared the pitch with him in Russia, under head coach Shin Tae-Yong. These connections highlight Jung's presence in the national team during a period of transition. [edit]

There is no publicly documented dating history for Jung Woo-young. Unlike entertainers, footballers' private lives are less consistently covered by international media, and no credible sources have confirmed any romantic relationships, past or present. As of 2026, his relationship status is not publicly reported.

He has no publicly known children, and he appears to keep his personal life firmly out of the public eye. [edit]

Specific net worth figures for Jung Woo-young are not publicly available, but his income as a professional footballer comes primarily from club salaries, national team bonuses, and potential endorsements. Playing in the K League and later in Japan, his career earnings are modest compared to top-tier stars. Per iFANN's editorial analysis, his estimated net worth stands at $1 Million as of 2026, based on typical salaries for players in his leagues and his long career. He has not been involved in major commercial ventures, focusing instead on his football career.[edit]

Jung Woo-young's most notable achievement is the bronze medal he earned with the South Korean national team at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. This remains the highlight of his international career, a distinction that few footballers ever achieve. [edit]