Bae Jun-ho

Bae Jun-ho (born 21 August 2003) is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger for club Stoke City and the South Korea national team.

Bae began his professional career with Daejeon Hana Citizen, helping them gain promotion to K League 1 in the 2022 season. After impressing in his debut season in the Korean top flight and for the South Korea U20 team he moved to European football with English Championship club Stoke City in August 2023.

Daejeon Hana Citizen
Bae started his career in the academy of Daegu FC. Afterwards, he attended Daegu Banyawol Elementary School, Daeryun Middle School, Cheonan Jeil High School and Jinwee High School. While playing for Pyeongtaek Jinwee, the football club of Jinwee High School, he was considered one of his country's best talents.

In January 2022, following interest from a number of clubs across Europe, as well as former club Daegu, he signed for K League 2 side Daejeon Hana Citizen. He made eleven appearances in his first season with Daejeon as he helped his team win the promotion play-offs against Gimcheon Sangmu. In the 2023 season, Bae received more playing time in K League 1, as he continued his integration into the squad from the reserve team.

On 27 August 2023, Daejeon officially announced that they had reached an agreement with EFL Championship side Stoke City for the transfer of Bae on a permanent deal.

Stoke City
On 31 August 2023, Bae joined Stoke City for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract. He scored his first goal in English football on 24 February 2024 in a 2–1 defeat against Cardiff City and followed this up a week later in a 2–0 victory against Middlesbrough. In the 2023–24 season, Bae made 40 appearances as Stoke successfully avoided relegation, finishing in 17th position. He was named the club's Player of the Year in his first season at Stoke City.

Youth
After representing South Korea at under-19 level in a number of friendlies, Bae was called up to the under-20 squad for the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualification. Having scored in two qualifiers against Mongolia and Malaysia, he was called up to the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup. Although South Korea failed to win the tournament by being knocked out in the semi-finals by Uzbekistan, Bae was still praised for his performances.

Bae was called up to the under-20 squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He started quietly in the tournament, but South Korea finished fourth under his influence. When he scored one and provided an assist in a 3–2 victory against Ecuador, Ecuadorian manager Miguel Bravo described him as a "Brazilian". Italian manager Carmine Nunziata defeated South Korea in the semi-finals, but he was also attracted to Bae's performance.

Senior
Bae made his debut for the South Korea national team on 6 June 2024 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Singapore at the Singapore National Stadium. He came on from the bench to replace Lee Jae-sung in the 70th minute and scored 9 minutes later, as South Korea won 7–0.

Style of play
An attacking midfielder who is comfortable using both feet, Bae has been regarded for his passing range and dribbling, as well as his balance and stamina.

Personal life
Bae has cited fellow South Korean Hwang In-beom, as well as Kevin De Bruyne, as his biggest footballing role-models.

International

 * Scores and results list South Korea's goal tally first.

Honours
South Korea U23
 * WAFF U-23 Championship: 2024

Individual
 * K League All-Star: 2023
 * Stoke City Player of the Year: 2023–24