A Breakout Moment on the World Stage
During the unforgettable 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Cho Gue-sung made headlines by scoring two goals against Ghana, including a powerful header in a thrilling 2–3 loss. I remember watching the match wondering who this guy was because he viewers by storm. In my mind this single achievement cemented his place in history as the first South Korean player to net multiple goals in a single World Cup match. Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Cho also stood out as one of the tournament’s top aerial players, second only to Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri.
The Journey of Cho Gue-sung: Family and Early Years
Born to his parents, Chae-Hwan Cho and Eun-Soo Jung, Cho Gue-sung was raised alongside his sisters, Cho Kook and Cho Jeog-in. His mother initially opposed his dreams of becoming a footballer, fearing the physical toll of the sport. Despite this, Cho pursued his passion with unwavering determination, even as it impacted his personal life, including his relationship with Kim Haram.
Childhood and Early Life
Nicknames and Birth Details
Known as “The Master of Reversals” and “The Second Hwang Ui-jo,” Cho Gue-sung (also called Kyu-Sung Cho in English) was born on January 25, 1998. As the youngest of three siblings, he enjoyed a supportive yet competitive upbringing.
Growing Up in South Korea
Raised in Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, Cho grew up as the only boy in the family, with two older sisters, Cho Kook (born in 1991) and Cho Jeog-in (born in 1998). His family was tightly knit, and he shares a striking resemblance to his mother. Today, one of his sisters is married, making Cho an uncle to two nieces.
A Passion for Football From an Early Age
Cho’s love for football emerged when he was just three years old. His athletic inclination came from his mother, who was a talented volleyball player before an injury ended her career. Unlike his sisters, who chose different paths, Cho was determined to carry forward his family’s sporting legacy. However, his mother initially resisted his decision, fearing the physical challenges that professional sports could bring. Eventually, she gave him her blessing, hoping for his safety and success.
Family Background and Support System
A Hardworking Middle-Class Family
Cho’s parents, Chae-Hwan Cho and Eun-Soo Jung, worked diligently to provide for their three children. While details about their professions remain scarce, research suggests they belonged to a middle-class background. Despite not being as wealthy as football stars like Antoine Griezmann or Leonardo Campana, they prioritized education and instilled values of hard work and perseverance in their children.
A Strong Family Presence on the Field
Family played a crucial role in Cho’s journey. His father and sisters supported his football ambitions from the start, though his mother was initially hesitant. Over time, she became one of his strongest supporters, attending matches and cheering him on.
Meet the Key Figures in Cho Gue-sung’s Life
His Father: Chae-Hwan Cho
Born in 1964 in Daeheung-RI, Songgwang-myeon, South Korea, Chae-Hwan Cho played a vital role in his son’s development. While not financially affluent, he invested his resources wisely to support Cho’s budding career. Even when his wife opposed their son’s decision to play football, Chae-Hwan remained steadfast in his belief in Cho’s potential. Today, he beams with pride as his son achieves global recognition.
His Mother: Eun-Soo Jung
Eun-Soo Jung, born in 1969, was a former volleyball player before a back injury cut her career short. This painful experience shaped her initial reluctance to let Cho pursue football. However, seeing his dedication and joy in the sport, she eventually embraced his dream, becoming a pillar of support in his journey.
His Sisters: Cho Kook and Cho Jeog-in
Cho’s older sisters, Cho Kook and Cho Jeog-in, have always been his biggest cheerleaders. One of them is married with two daughters, making Cho an uncle. Their unwavering support mirrors that of other famous football families, such as Sam Adekugbe and his sisters, highlighting the strong bond between them.
Cho Gue-sung’s Roots and National Identity
Hometown and Heritage
Cho Gue-sung was born and raised in Bono-dong, Ansan-si, South Korea. His nationality ties him to a country rich in culture, known for its K-pop, K-dramas, and advanced society. South Korea consists of nine provinces, and Cho’s hometown holds a special place in his heart as the foundation of his football journey.
Education and Early Football Development
Cho Gue-sung’s parents placed great importance on education, ensuring he progressed through all academic levels without skipping any. He attended IHO Elementary School before moving on to Wongok Middle School and Ayang Technical High School. Later, he pursued higher education at Gwangju University, a sports science institution in Korea. However, Cho left midway through his studies to focus entirely on his football career.
During his academic years, Cho’s father encouraged him to play soccer from as early as the third grade. His remarkable stamina and skills became evident during his freshman year in college, making him stand out among his teammates.
Career Beginnings
Cho’s football journey started at Anyang Technical High School, where he joined the youth team. His talent was quickly recognized, leading him to play for Gwangju University. Notably, he made history as the first player to debut in high school.
Originally a defensive midfielder, Cho later transitioned into a striker role, demonstrating versatility and an ability to dominate both offensive and defensive plays. His playing style was heavily influenced by football legends Zlatan Ibrahimović and Harry Kane. Over time, he also incorporated elements from Olivier Giroud and Mario Mandzukic into his game.
Road to Fame
One of Cho’s biggest challenges was convincing his mother to support his football career. Having suffered a volleyball-related back injury, she was initially apprehensive about him pursuing professional sports. Additionally, Cho’s striking facial features made many believe he was more suited for modeling than athletics. However, he worked relentlessly on his skills to prove himself on the field.
His breakthrough came when he joined the K League 1 club, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, a move that delighted his family. This marked the beginning of his ascent to stardom.
Rise to Fame
After a stint in K League 1 in 2019, Cho moved to K League 2, where he quickly excelled, earning the third-highest goal-scorer award in his debut season. Though initially struggling to adapt, he worked hard to establish himself.
By the 2021/2022 season, Cho had fully developed into a prolific striker. He became the league’s top scorer and played a crucial role in leading Jeonbuk to the 2022 Korean FA Cup victory, an achievement he celebrated with pure joy.
International Career
Cho debuted for South Korea on September 7, 2021, in a match against Lebanon. Initially considered an underdog, his performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup changed everything. He became the first South Korean player to score multiple goals in a single World Cup game, netting twice against Ghana. His impressive performance and striking looks garnered worldwide attention, making him a viral sensation.
Club Career Statistics
| Club | Season | League | Appearances | Goals | National Cup Appearances | National Cup Goals | Continental Appearances | Continental Goals | Other Appearances | Other Goals | Total Appearances | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC Anyang | 2019 | K League 2 | 31 | 14 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | 36 | 14 |
| Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 2020 | K League 1 | 23 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 3 | — | — | 34 | 8 |
| 2022 | K League 1 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 4 | — | — | — | — | 11 | 8 | |
| 2023 | K League 1 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 14 | 6 | |
| Gimcheon Sangmu | 2021 | K League 2 | 25 | 8 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 27 | 9 |
| 2022 | K League 1 | 23 | 13 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 24 | 13 | |
| Midtjylland | 2023–24 | Danish Superliga | 30 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 1 | — | — | 37 | 13 |
| Career Total | — | — | 152 | 60 | 18 | 7 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 183 | 71 |
Note: “Other Appearances” include matches in competitions such as the K League 1 promotion playoffs.
International Career Statistics
| National Team | Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 2021 | 4 | 0 |
| 2022 | 16 | 6 | |
| 2023 | 10 | 2 | |
| 2024 | 9 | 1 | |
| Total | — | 39 | 9 |
List of International Goals Scored by Cho Gue-sung
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score After Goal | Final Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 January 2022 | Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya, Turkey | Iceland | 1–0 | 5–1 | Friendly |
| 2 | 27 January 2022 | Saida Municipal Stadium, Sidon, Lebanon | Lebanon | 1–0 | 1–0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualification |
| 3 | 14 June 2022 | Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea | Egypt | 3–1 | 4–1 | Friendly |
| 4 | 20 July 2022 | Toyota Stadium, Toyota, Japan | China PR | 3–0 | 3–0 | 2022 EAFF Championship |
| 5 | 28 November 2022 | Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar | Ghana | 1–2 | 2–3 | 2022 FIFA World Cup |
| 6 | 28 November 2022 | Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar | Ghana | 2–2 | 2–3 | 2022 FIFA World Cup |
| 7 | 12 September 2023 | St James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, England | Saudi Arabia | 1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly |
| 8 | 16 November 2023 | Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea | China PR | 1–0 | 5–0 | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification |
| 9 | 30 January 2024 | Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar | Bahrain | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2023 AFC Asian Cup |
Note: The “Score After Goal” column indicates the match score immediately after Cho Gue-sung’s goal.
These statistics highlight Cho Gue-sung’s contributions at both club and international levels, showcasing his development and impact as a forward.
Cho Gue-sung’s Wife
It’s hasn’t been confirmed if Cho Gue-sung is married, but there are rumours circulating that the football star is married to Park Ji-yeon. She has managed to maintain her privacy and keep her personal life away from media attention. She values her personal space and prefers to keep her personal and professional life separate; this makes it even harder to confirm the rumours.
However, Park Ji-yeon is highly accomplished in her own right. She is the CEO and founder of ‘Jiyeon Park & Co.,’ one of South Korea’s leading fashion companies. Her business acumen and keen eye for fashion have been instrumental in the company’s success.
Balancing personal and professional life can be challenging, yet Park Ji-yeon has skillfully managed both, prioritizing her work and personal life effectively. She is highly organized and disciplined, with a strong support system of family, friends, and employees.
Her accomplishments reflect her hard work, dedication, and determination. Despite being the wife of a renowned footballer, Park Ji-yeon has carved out her own success, inspiring many women striving for achievements in their respective fields.
Lifestyle and Personality
Despite his fame, Cho remains a private and humble individual. He has a modest social media presence, with only a few posts on Instagram despite having millions of followers. After his breakout World Cup performance, he even turned off his phone due to an overwhelming influx of messages.
Cho’s reserved yet friendly nature makes him beloved by fans. Though he avoids the spotlight, he never hesitates to interact with admirers, taking photos and engaging warmly with them.
Military Service
Like all South Korean men, Cho was required to complete mandatory military service. Unlike some athletes who received exemptions, he fulfilled this obligation, which enhanced his discipline and strength. Upon his return, he was physically and mentally stronger, further boosting his football career.
End Note
From a young football enthusiast in Ansan-si to an international star, Cho Gue-sung’s journey is one of determination, talent, and perseverance. With a bright future ahead, he is set to make even greater strides in the world of football, inspiring future generations of South Korean athletes.