At the 2022 World Cup, South Korea was one of just four nations, along with Brazil, Argentina and Saudi Arabia, not to have a naturalized player in its squad. That is unlikely to be the case in the 2026 World Cup as the East Asian nation selected a foreign-born male player who has switched sporting nationalities in August for the first time in its history. It is a move that could be more significant off the pitch than on it.
Jens Castrop has lived all his life in Germany but is now preparing to make his senior international debut against the United States on Saturday playing for South Korea. Neighbors China and Japan have selected a number of players born overseas who had either spent time playing in their domestic leagues or had family ties to the country, as allowed under rules set by football’s global governing body, FIFA. But while South Korea selected US-born teenager, Casey Phair, to the women’s 2023 World Cup squad team, calling up players who have lived their lives outside the country has traditionally been very rare.
“Naturalization is how the world is going, not only in football but in other sports, and industries, so we can expect more of it in the future,” Lee Sung-mo, Seoul-based author and translator, told DW. “Many people in the Korean media suggested we should pick him [for the] Korean national team.”
Castrop’s quality is undeniable. The 22-year-old represented Germany at various youth levels – the rules state that players can switch countries if they have not played a competitive international game at senior level – and made his top tier Bundesliga debut in August for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
“The majority of Korean fans are positive and the media is open to it too,” added Lee. “The story of how much him and his Korean mother have been passionate about getting South Korean nationality has moved the mind of fans.”
The Right Noises
To do so is important. The national team of South Korea is an important part of the country’s identity. It is literally known as the ‘representative team.’
“I’ve always valued my roots and identity,” Castrop said after his selection. “Choosing a national team isn’t about honor or conditions — it’s about where my heart truly belongs.”
His mother, Ahn Soo-yeon, moved to Düsseldorf in 1996 and has been keen to emphasize his Asian heritage.
“I always told Jens, ‘Your roots are Korean, and you must have a Korean identity…’ My son’s heart is in Korea. It is Korean, no matter what…He [Castrop] thinks about military service as a secondary issue, for him, football comes before everything.”
The issue of conscription is serious and sensitive in a country that is still technically at war with North Korea. All able-bodied males are mandated to serve for 18 to 21 months, usually having to start by the time they are 28, in the armed forces or in general service to the country. Korean citizens have responsibilities and society frowns upon anyone, especially the rich and/or famous, who looks like they will not do their duty.
Does military beckon?
“I’m fully aware of the military obligation, but what matters most is that I want to give everything I have for the Korean team,” Castrop said. “I’m in constant communication with the KFA [Korea Football Association] and my management about this. The Korean team is not about a passport — it’s about where I truly belong.”
It is not yet clear whether Castrop, who has never lived in Korea, will have to perform service — footballers usually do this by playing for the military’s team Gimcheon Sangmu which is currently in the top tier of the domestic K-League — it is, however, already a topic of conversation.
“Military service in Korea is very demanding, and there is a strong societal consensus that all men should serve in the armed forces, regardless of social class or status,” Dirk Bethmann, Professor at the Department of Economcis and Polticial Science at Korea University in Seoul, told DW. “This shared view also supports the idea that exemptions should be kept to an absolute minimum.”
There is a sporting way to earn exemption such as winning any Olympic medal or gold at the Asian Games, the medal that footballer Son Heung-min won in 2018, which enabled him to continue his career in Europe. Castrop could be called up for future competitions.
“The argument is that athletes and artists bring significant prestige to Korea,” said Bethmann. “It is believed they contribute more to the country’s national image and wellbeing through their professional work than they would as conscripts performing basic military service.”
Future effects
There is a large Korean diaspora, especially in Europe and North America. If Castrop succeeds on and off the pitch, more talent could choose to follow in his footsteps, in other sports as well as football. If he takes the team to the next level, it could help build support from fans and media.
“Castrop can be a very important example for any potential future foreign-born players who wish to play for South Korean national team,” said Lee. “If he could settle and play well in the team then it will create positive reactions to the fans, and they will be more open to similar case of players in the future.”
That could create other issues, however. Indonesia has gone down the route of rapid naturalization of players, with as many as nine European-born players starting recent games. This has led to improved results but concerns over the identity of the team with Dutch and English becoming common languages around training sessions. Making an effort with the language will be key for Castrop.
“He will have some difficulty communicating with his teammates, but we understand he’s studying Korean really hard and he’s trying to learn more about the country,” South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said. “We all have to work together to help him adjust to the new surroundings as quickly as possible.”
First though, the coach said that Castrop will have to show what he can do on the pitch. “The key will be for him to demonstrate his competitiveness in his position.”
The rest can come later.
Edited by: Matt Pearson
