After 2 years and 8 months, Taegeuk Mark Jung Woo-young “The news I’ve been waiting for so much… I’m happy.”

“I’m so happy to have been selected for the position I’ve been waiting for for so long.”

Jung Woo-young (Union Berlin), who was called up to the national soccer team after 2 years and 8 months in March 2024, showed both happiness and solemn expression on his face.

Jung Woo-young met with reporters ahead of the national soccer team training held at the Qatar University Stadium in Doha, Qatar on the 10th (local time) and said, "I am so honored to now be able to play as a representative of Korea." He added, "When I heard the news of my selection, my first thought was to prepare well."

National team interim coach Roberto Moreno selected Jung Woo-young as an offensive resource when announcing the list of 26 Taegeuk Warriors for the two-game international match in November (Saudi Arabia on the 13th and Qatar on the 17th) to be played in Doha, Qatar.

It has been two years and eight months since Jung Woo-young wore the Taegeuk symbol again on March 21, 2024, after the second qualifying round for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asia region against Thailand. This is the first time since Coach Moreno took charge of the national team.

Jung Woo-young, who scored 4 goals in 22 international matches, played in all 1st to 9th rounds of the German Bundesliga this season.

Jung Woo-young, who appeared in all 11 of the team's official games, including 2 DFB-Pokal games, appealed to Coach Moreno that although he did not accumulate attack points, he was consistently selected as a starting striker.

Jung Woo-young, who returned to the national team after a long absence, was full of motivation.

Jung Woo-young, a wing attacker, must compete for positions with prominent seniors and juniors such as Lee Kang-in (Atletico Madrid), Hwang Hee-chan (Schalke), Song Min-gyu (Nacional), and Uhm Um-seong (Swansea).

Jung Woo-young said, "It's been a long time coming. I put in a lot of effort, so I was able to stand in the position I had been waiting for." He emphasized, "I didn't think too much, but only thought about how I could help the team and fellow players."

He added, "If I can enter the stadium, I will try to help the team by pouring out my strength and energy to my teammates."

Jung Woo-young, who turned 27 this year, joined the ranks of the national team's middle and senior ranks.

Jung Woo-young said, "As I greeted and talked with the players during meal times, I felt that I am a bit older now," and added, "Now, my role as a mid-level senior has become more important. I will take good care of my older brothers and younger siblings."

He continued, “I was so happy to see everyone. Even when I couldn’t come to the national team, I always cheered on my seniors and juniors on TV.” He said with a smile, “I think I need to show my special energy to my teammates.”